Concussion Stunning Equipment

Mechanically operated concussion equipment has been specifically developed to kill poultry using a non-penetrating, captive-bolt device such as the ‘Cash Poultry Killer’ (also known as the Cash Small Animal Tool; available from Accles & Shelvoke – see the next page for the HSA Technical Information Poster on Stunning Poultry: Mechanical Percussive Devices), or an equivalent device generating a similar, or greater, impact energy.  Such equipment applies a controlled blow to the bird’s head, causing immediate unconsciousness. When operated to the manufacturer’s instructions, this equipment will produce an effective stun and cause the death of the bird. Although it can effectively kill chickens and turkeys, mechanical concussion stunning must still be followed by neck-cutting or dislocation to ensure the death of the bird. 

Two types of concussion stunning equipment are available: cartridge powered captive-bolt stunners and compressed air powered captive-bolt stunners. These both come with a choice of flat or convex heads. Flat heads are best for chickens and small birds, whilst the convex heads are more suitable for larger birds such as ducks, geese and turkeys.

Mechanical concussion stunning is preferable to electrical methods for ducks, geese and turkeys because of the difficulty of ensuring sufficient current flow when electrically stunning these species.

Next: Maintenance Of Concussion Stunning Equipment