Average price to have chickens processed?

[bhawk-23]

But he still keeps half the birds?
.....and you pay $7ea for the ones you get back?

$7 seems steep.
I paid 3.50ea when I had a few done thru my friends processor.

You are correct, I pay $7 for the chickens I take home. My issue is do I still need to give him half if this is no longer a barter system? A barter to me is a trade. But in actuality he is charging me for a service. If this is the case then we would like all the chickens back. I initially offered half if he would butcher. I know people on here butcher their own and possibly for friends too and I wanted to know what they think is reasonable.

 

[bhawk-23]

@aart
Around here people will pay $20 for a organic free range chicken and up to $10 for a dozen free range colored eggs from a local "farmer" I am guessing he believes it's a steal. But unfortunately we have to go to Aldi where we can actually afford to buy a chicken and it is less than $7

 

[aart]

You are correct, I pay $7 for the chickens I take home. My issue is do I still need to give him half if this is no longer a barter system? A barter to me is a trade. But in actuality he is charging me for a service. If this is the case then we would like all the chickens back. I initially offered half if he would butcher. I know people on here butcher their own and possibly for friends too and I wanted to know what they think is reasonable.

You'll have to straighten out the deal with him,
might need to get it in very clear writing.
But I'd check elsewhere, too.

 

[bhawk-23]

You'll have to straighten out the deal with him,
might need to get it in very clear writing.
But I'd check elsewhere, too.

Well hubs is now watching YouTube videos. I think are hesitation is purely not wanting the chicken to EVER suffer. If we were to mess up the kill it would cause unnecessary pain. I know I can break down the actual carcass, I cannot do the actual deed though. That means hubs is on his own. Lol

 

[Ebony Rose]

The deed, with the right tools is quick and certain. I use branch pruning sheers, the sort with the long handle that's designed to deal with 1 to 1 1/2" branches for this job.

 

[aart]

f we were to mess up the kill it

Yep, that's the scariest part (even after practicing) and perforating the intestine when gutting.

 

[Mosey2003]

Send me a message and let me know how far away from me you are. If it's an hour or less, I'd come show you how to do the broomstick method properly if you like.

 

[Vacman]

But he still keeps half the birds?
.....and you pay $7ea for the ones you get back?

$7 seems steep.
I paid 3.50ea when I had a few done thru my friends processor.

I agree. I've never processed any of mine, but my son has the Amish process his. Used to be $1.50 each but it's up a little now. $7 each sounds outrageous to me, but each area is different.

 

[WestTNriverrat]

I’m not an expert with costs of processing but sounds like he wants you to leave him most of your bird with that price. I think I’d check a little larger radius at least to confirm that’s the average price. Sounds kinda high to me.

 

[bhawk-23]

So when in doubt try to communicate, right?? I decided to just be honest with this person and turns out he was fine with that. We worked out him coming over to teach/guide us in humanly euthanizing and the process we will give him 2 birds. I am happy with this deal.

Thank you all for offering your thoughts and experiences. That gave me the confidence to just talk with him. Turned out well in the end.