Alternatives to Processing Chickens Yourself

[new2chickens2011]

Say you want to raise meat chickens (just a few to try it out, say 5), and you don't have the time, ability, supplies, space, or whatever to kill/process them yourself? What do you do? Where do you take them?

 

[Stacykins]

I know of a local meat processor who normally does large livestock such as pigs and cattle. But if they get enough customers, they'll set aside a day for poultry processing. It is just a hassle with the feathers and whatnot, which is why poultry processing isn't an everyday thing. I am going to do my birds myself, though, since it is a good learning experience for this past city slicker!

I am sure if you call around you can find a processor who would do your birds, even in that small of a number.

 

[al6517]

Well now hang on a second............... I know most people can be under the impression that it always has to be a big project, but there can be minimal approaches to it, it doesn't have to be difficult. Sure I have all the scalding stuff, burners, sinks, scafolds..... the works.

But years ago before I did, it still was kinda easy in very small batches, with out all the fancy stuff. There are always two way's skin a cat so to speak.

 

[Sparks]

We have a Amish family do our butchering. The only downfall is you correspond by letter. By the time we get a note back they are ready for them in the next day or two. They do a great job though. Not something we want to do on our own but know we grow good meat. I believe it costs $3 a bird. I find that reasonable

 

[galanie]

Yep. (to Al's post) - You can just have a stump set up and skin them like I did. Didn't take much at all. Sharp knife and a garbage bag. And a hose. Took them inside, put in a bag, and in the fridge right away.

 

[al6517]

And for most folks in small amount's that makes allot of sense, and is their best choice............ hopefully with better responses.

 

[LiLRedCV]

You can do a Google search for poultry processing and then call around for prices. It varies as it depends if you want the basics of basics (leave the feet and neck on) or it you want it to look like a whole chicken from the grocery store or even a cut up one. Personally, I prefer to just get them to look like the whole chickens in the store and then I can cut them up from there...

Some areas have mobile poultry processing units that will come to your property to do the job. Try CraigsList to see if there are any advertising there or even look in your Yellow Pages or even inquire at your local Co-Op. They're not always listed as the obvious... try poultry process, butchering, slaughterhouse, abattoirs, etc. Mother Earth News just had a story about the abattoirs (aka mobile slaughterhouse) in their Oct/Nov 2011 edition (page 21). They included a website: goo.gl/43Wvt. [and YES!! That is an actual web address!!!!! Be sure to add that period at the end too...]

Good luck!