Anyone with experience processing in/near Sacramento CA?

[Esteri]

Hello! Long time lurker, short time poster...

I'd really like to get some meat birds, but I'm reluctant to get them if I'm not certain I will be able to finish the job - so to speak. Is there anyone in the area who can teach me how to process, or is a butcher who will do it for me?

Also, as a first time chicken keeper - how many should I start with? Understand that every time I mention we're thinking about raising meat birds to friends they offer to purchase any we don't want. But, I really, don't want to get in over my head. You know?

Thanks!
Esteri

 

[suzettex5]

Hi Esteri

I am also considering learning to butcher. I live kinda nearby, perhaps when the time comes, we can compare notes? We have many chickens and are raising many chicks for eggs and for meat. My daughter and I are considering an egg/chicken co-op thing, since we will have sooooo many chickens and eggs. Let us know how things go, and welcome to the WONDERFUL world of chickens- they're really fun and amazing!!!

 

[chickenwhisperer]

I have 10 eatin chickens, and I plant to butcher and process them myself.

I am in the designing phase of making a plucker . . .

Oh yea, Im in Carmichael . . .

 

[mboreham1]

Esteri, i am in Sac, i went to WEstern Feed supply on greenback, there are a couple of chicken enthusiasts who work there, i had a great chat with them about meat birds and processing them. You might want to run over there or to your closest feed store, the people there are generally pretty good at giving advice

 

[Esteri]

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You want help on the big day? I'm not squeamish - and I've got good knives.

 

[Esteri]

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Thanks for the resource! I usually go to the one in Carmichael. I'll head up there and check it out.

 

[chickenwhisperer]

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When?

I just got my birds on thursday, so 8 weeks from then is when I plan on doing it.

Iam going to make a cleaning station, so lemme know know when I need to have it ready by, and you can come do it here if you like . . .

For the record, I have never done it myself, seen it done on the net a million times, seen it 1st hand/helped once . . .
But Im pretty sure I can do it, its just like a feathery fish . . .

 

[Esteri]

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Well, you've already got more experience than I have.

I did find a family friend who processes his chickens. So, if you feel the need for a little experience on hand - I can ask if he's willing to join in. He's usually up for that kind of stuff.

Tell me where and when to be, and I'll show up to lend a hand. PM is probably the way to connect for that.

We haven't got any meat birds now. But the 11 layers in the brooder are doing nicely. And DH is full engaged in coop design (finally!) - having decided that what I want to do isn't workable. So, we're moving along nicely at our own pace.
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