5 roosters and a turkey in freezer camp

[nickie]

I WANT TURKEYS! Oh and I guess a bigger freezer. Mmm turkey.

 

[LittleDarlings]

So here's a question from someone who hs yet to process anything that was still breathing when it got to me...

Is processing turkeys any different than chickens?

Or is just like doing a BIG chicken?

Thanks!!

 

[nickie]

Quote:
Oooo good question.

 

[jasonm11]

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You are close. I will be processing a few more roosters next month. You are welcome to come out and get smelly. If you want to do any before that drop me a line and we can get them knocked out.

 

[jasonm11]

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The act is the same, but harder to get thru the neck and the flapping afterward is more fierce and longer. Make sure to have a helper hold the wings behind the bird and the legs tight. I dont have a cone but I would imagine that would be best. The one thing I would recommend is to go ahead and cut the head off completely with any bird. That way the deed is done and you don't second guess yourself (did I cut deep enough, did it hurt, was it cruel)

 

[ChickenAlgebra]

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Erm, BIG STRONG chicken kind of. Duct tape the wings or they will get out of a cone if at all possible.

 

[LittleDarlings]

I am trying to imagine a cone BIG enough for a turkey!

Plus I didn't even think of the wing flapping being bigger/stronger. So many things to consider, but I am very thankful to you all for enlightening me BEFORE I try it!. I had heard it was good to learn from your action, but it's best to learn from others!

So how long does it take for a turkey to get "full size"?

 

[jasonm11]

Quote:
The broad Breasted Bronze I just did was about 3 months and dressed at around 15 to 20 lbs. The ones I am raising for Thanksgiving will probably dress at about 30 to 35 lbs they will be 5 months, I got them too early. The bourbon reds I am raising will be about 7 to 8 months old at Thanksgiving and will probably dress at 20lbs.