Chicken Killing Cones: Plastic vs Metal – Which Is Best for Poultry Processing?

A chicken killing cone, sometimes called a chicken kill cone or more simply a killing cone, is one of the most essential tools in humane poultry processing. Designed to hold a bird securely while it is dispatched, the cone reduces stress for the animal, minimizes flapping, and ensures a clean, efficient cut.

Online search interest for terms like “killing cones for chickens” and “chicken kill cones” has been steadily growing as more backyard farmers and small-scale poultry keepers look for better ways to process birds at home. Experienced poultry keepers know the tool is necessary, but a question often remains: Which type of cone is better, plastic or metal?

In this guide, we’ll explore exactly what a killing cone is, compare plastic and metal versions side by side, share real-world scenarios, and walk through best practices. By the end, you’ll see why plastic cones, especially when paired with cone stands, are the smarter choice for both backyard and commercial operations.

You can also explore our restraining cone collection to see the different cone sizes available and find one suitable for your needs.

What Is a Chicken Killing Cone and Why Use It?

A chicken killing cone is a funnel-shaped tool used during poultry slaughter. The bird is placed headfirst into the cone, which gently restrains them with its wings tucked against their body. This position keeps the bird calm and prevents flapping, allowing for a quick, humane, and efficient bleed-out.

Compared to other dispatch methods, such as holding the bird by hand or attempting to restrain it on a flat surface, killing cones offer several advantages:

• Humane processing by reducing stress for the bird.
  
• Cleaner results by preventing broken wings, bruised meat, and unnecessary mess.
  
• Safer for the handler because the bird is immobilized, so there’s less chance of injury.
  

For farmers and homesteaders looking to process their own poultry, a cone is considered an essential piece of chicken processing equipment. In the next section, we’ll compare the two most common cone types, plastic and metal, to see which option works best.

Plastic vs Metal Chicken Restraining Cones — Key Differences

When planning to purchase a chicken kill cone or killing cones for chickens, the first decision many face is usually about the material. Should you go with a galvanized metal cone or choose a plastic chicken killing cone? Both serve the same purpose, but the differences in durability, hygiene, handling, and long-term cost make a big impact.

Durability & Strength

Metal killing cones are sturdy and can handle repeated use, but they are heavy and prone to dents over time. In contrast, plastic killing cones are rust-free, flexible, and designed to last for years without warping or weakening.

Hygiene & Sanitation

Hygiene is one of the biggest concerns in chicken processing. Metal cones can rust, corrode, and trap residue, requiring deep scrubbing to stay clean. Plastic cones, on the other hand, have smooth, non-porous surfaces that are quick to rinse and sanitize, keeping your operation safer and cleaner.

Handling & Portability

Plastic cones are lightweight, easy to mount, and ideal for backyard farmers who value convenience. Metal cones are heavier, often fixed in place, and better suited for older-style processing stations.

Cost & Hidden Costs

While metal cones may seem like a one-time investment, the hidden costs of rust replacements, extended cleaning time, and maintenance add up. Plastic cones are affordable upfront, and by saving hours on processing day, they quickly prove to be the more economical choice.

Here is a comparison chart 

 

For farmers who want durable, rust-free solutions, our plastic slaughtering cones also come in multiple sizes designed for both backyard and commercial poultry processing.

Next, let’s look at how real farmers use these cones in everyday scenarios.

Which Cone Fits Your Needs?

Choosing the right cone often depends on the scale of your flock and how often you process birds. Let’s look at three typical examples:

1. Backyard Farmer (5–20 Chickens)
   If you only process a few chickens at a time, heavy, hard-to-clean equipment would present a number of challenges. A lightweight cone, like the Chicken Killing Cone is perfect.
2. Small Farm (50–100+ Chickens)
   For farms and homesteads processing dozens of birds in one day, efficiency is key. Plastic cones mounted on modular stands save hours of labor compared to scrubbing metal cones. Plus, the lightweight design allows you to process multiple birds at once.
   Processing dozens of birds demands efficiency. Multi-bird setups like the Processing Unit – 2 Cones (Chicken) or Processing Unit – 3 Cones (Chicken) save hours compared to scrubbing metal cones.
3. Commercial Processor
   Even large-scale processors face hidden costs with metal equipment. Rust, maintenance downtime, and labor add up fast. By switching to plastic killing cones and professional cone stands, commercial operations save time and maintain higher sanitation standards.
   Larger farms benefit from heavy-duty systems such as the Processing Unit – 3 Cones (Turkey/Goose), which maintain sanitation standards while scaling up production.

Next, let’s discuss whether DIY cones can compete with ready-made options.

DIY Cones vs Ready-Made Cones

When researching DIY chicken kill cone ideas, many poultry keepers look for quick fixes such as buckets, sheet metal, or old traffic cones. While these homemade chicken killing cones can seem like an ideal  solution for those trying to cut costs, they often come with serious drawbacks:

• Poor sizing: DIY cones are rarely the correct dimensions, causing birds to slip or suffer unnecessary stress.
  
• Unsafe edges: Cut sheet metal or makeshift plastic often leaves sharp points that can harm both the handler and the bird.
  
• Hard to clean: Buckets and road cones are not designed as chicken processing cones and can trap bacteria or become impossible to sanitize properly.
  

A ready-made plastic chicken killing cone solves all these problems. Professionally designed cones ensure a snug fit for your birds, smooth, rounded edges for safety, and a rust-free, easy-to-clean surface that’s ideal for repeated use.

DIY solutions like buckets, sheet metal, or old traffic cones often fail on safety and sanitation.

Instead, ready-made plastic cones offer the right fit and hygiene. For example:

• Quail Killing Cone for very small birds
  
• Partridge/Pheasant Cone for gamebirds
  
• Turkey/Goose Cone for large poultry

Now, if you’re processing more than just a few birds, you’ll want to know about cone stands—and why they make such a big difference.

Cone Stands for Processing Efficiency

When processing more than a few chickens, efficiency becomes just as important as humane handling. A cone processing stand or chicken killing cone stand allows you to work on multiple birds at once, keeping your workspace organized and sanitary.

Why cone stands matter:

• Process multiple birds simultaneously → saves time on large batches.
  
• Hygienic setup → blood drains in one area, reducing mess.
  
• Ergonomic → cones are mounted at the right height, reducing strain.
  

Plastic cone stands are especially valuable because they are modular, lightweight, and easy to expand as your farm grows. Whether you’re a backyard farmer processing 10 chickens or a small farm handling 100+, stands increase productivity while maintaining cleanliness.

Processing multiple birds requires efficiency. Options include:

• Killing Cone Hanger for wall setups
  
• Processing Unit – 1 Cone (Chicken) for solo use
  
• Processing Unit – 2 or 3 Cones for scaling up
  

These modular systems reduce mess and improve workflow.

Next, let’s review some best practices to ensure you’re using your cone properly and humanely.

Best Practices for Using a Chicken Killing Cone

Knowing how to use a chicken killing cone correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. A properly used cone makes processing more humane, safe, and efficient.

• Choose the right size per bird
   A small cone works for quail or bantams, while larger birds like turkeys require oversized cones. Using the wrong size can stress the bird and make processing less effective. e.g., Quail Cone vs Turkey/Goose Cone.
  
• Secure mounting is essential
   Always mount your cone firmly on a wall, stand, or processing station so it doesn’t shift during use. This ensures safety for both you and the bird.
  
• Humane positioning and dispatch
   Place the chicken headfirst into the cone, with wings tucked. This keeps the bird calm, immobilized, and ready for a quick, humane cut.
  
• Post-use cleaning tips
  Sanitation is critical. Wash the cone thoroughly after each use with hot water and sanitizer. Plastic chicken killing cones are rust-free, smooth, and safe for repeated use.

Before we wrap up, let’s address a few of the most common questions farmers ask about killing cones.

FAQs About Chicken Killing Cones

How does a chicken killing cone work?
A chicken killing cone restrains the bird by holding it upside down, wings tucked against its body. This reduces stress, prevents flapping, and allows for a clean bleed-out. It’s one of the most humane poultry slaughtering tools available.
👉 See our killing cones collection for properly sized cones.

How to make a killing cone?
Many farmers try DIY chicken kill cones using buckets, traffic cones, or sheet metal. While functional, they often have poor sizing, unsafe edges, and are difficult to sanitize. For consistent results, ready-made cones are the better choice.
👉 Upgrade to a plastic chicken killing cone for safe, reliable processing.

Which is more humane: plastic or metal killing cones?
Both materials can immobilize birds effectively, but plastic cones are smoother, easier to clean, and safer for both bird and handler. Metal cones can rust, corrode, or leave sharp edges over time, making them less reliable.
👉 That’s why most modern poultry keepers prefer our plastic cones.

What size cone do I need?
Cone size depends on the bird:

• Small cones → quail, bantams
  
• Medium cones → layers, broilers
  
• Large cones → turkeys, geese

Our slaughtering cones Collection offers multiple sizes so you can choose the best fit for your flock.

Finally, let’s bring everything together in the verdict.

 

Why Plastic Cones Are the Smarter Choice

When comparing plastic vs galvanized steel metal chicken killing cones, the decision is clear. While both serve the purpose of restraining birds during processing, plastic cones consistently prove to be the smarter choice:

• Durable & Rust-Free → Unlike metal cones that can dent or corrode, plastic cones remain strong and long-lasting.
  
• Hygienic & Easy to Clean → Smooth, non-porous surfaces prevent buildup and make sanitation quick and simple.
  
• Lightweight & Cost-Effective → Easier to handle, more affordable, and free of the hidden costs that come with metal.
  

And when paired with cone stands, plastic cones become even more powerful:

• Efficient → Process multiple birds at once.
  
• Scalable → Modular designs grow with your farm.
  
• Professional Results → Cleaner workspace, faster workflow, and humane handling.
  

Ready to upgrade your processing setup? 

Explore our full Killing Cones Collection and Processing Equipment Collection to find the perfect solution for your flock, whether you’re a backyard farmer or running a larger operation.