Securing the bird's wings prior to performing the dislocation can prevent involuntary flapping. To ensure death, the bird's throat should be cut after cervical dislocation. If large numbers of birds are to be euthanized cervical dislocation is not an appropriate method because personnel performing the procedure rapidly become fatigued due to the physical effort required. Argon gas is an acceptable method for killing all poultry species except waterfowl, and is not an irritant like CO 2 . Exposure to argon causes hypoxia.
Carbon dioxide causes rapid onset of anesthesia with subsequent death due to respiratory arrest.
Death occurs in 2-5 minutes depending on the species and concentration of CO 2 used. Poultry can be euthanized using carbon dioxide gas by being placed in containers that are sufficiently airtight to maintain CO 2 at desired level. Depending on how many birds are being euthanized, a circulation system may be necessary to ensure that the gas does not become stratified. Birds should be added to the chamber gradually so that proper CO 2 levels are maintained. CO 2 should always be delivered from vapor delivery cylinders or, if from a liquid delivery cylinder, vaporized first to prevent it from turning into dry ice.