Collecting 4 ducks from a coworker after work, killing on site. They are 1 year old and they want them gone, they know that they will be meals. Am I better off with a hatchet or a cleaver? I don't have a guillotine.
I've used a hatchet, and I've used my hands. Cutting off the head of a live duck can get messy if you're not prepared, and breaking their necks can be less messy if done correctly. Just do it like you're drop stating a chainsaw, don't be gentle, you owe it to the animal to make it quick.
We use a board with a V cut into it for chickens just put their head in the bottom of the notch pull back and chop I would think the same would work for a duck Im interested to see what you end up doing.
My brother helped me clean them, gave him one for his troubles and the other one to Dad just cause. Kept two for the old lady and myself. Was going to make one tonight but got too late and looks like a storm is rolling in. Smoke house pictures tomorrow, weather permitting.
The main thing is get them bled out. Soak them in some water and get that blood out. Will make a much better tasting bird.