Best Kill Cones???

[iwltfum]

On the feet, are you using tape, a slip knot crafted with a half hitch (nylon, I assume?), or????

I use a piece of 1/4" (maybe 3/8"?) woven cotton line with a slip knot that I usually double around and tie another half hitch around the feet for double protection. The cotton holds the slip better than nylon and ties more securely around the feet. I would go through way too much tape on a butchering day if we used tape for every one, but it sounds like a quality electrical tape could be a decent solution if you are only butchering a couple at a time. We butcher 60 or 70 every couple weeks in the summer.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

^^^ very helpful, thanks.

 

[BGcoop]

We do not need to rake. The sawdust is in the wheelbarrow, wheelbarrow is positioned under the cone. Heads are removed and dropped into wheelbarrow. We do not need to tie the legs together- DH is just there and puts his hand over the cone if there is extra flapping, we have never had and flap themselves out. The traffic cone we use is just a medium sized one(I don’t have exact measurements-sorry) we have used it on A bunch of different Sized birds as ours were mixes and were growing at different rates. I think instead of trying to size out your cone perfectly, you could just try to adjust how far you pull the head through.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I'm leaning towards metal cones (stainless or aluminum) to aid in sanitizing.

Hi there.

I've never once had to sanitize my cone.. but that would be the reason I would try to go with stainless if I was gonna spend $.

Thing about bleach/vinegar plastic bottles is they're free and you can do all the experimenting you want. The taller like 2 gallon jug is preferred. When cutting out the bottom leave a tab.. for screwing through.. to the wall here, above a 5 gallon bucket (used to be lined with a bag that went in the trash later, now, mostly composted after the feral barn cat takes her share).. Just me processing, after death flap stops, scald before plucking.. I'm using left over rope from hay bales.. Come to think of it.. I have less control but I have JUST tied the ankles with no cone from the very start. I like the cone better. IMO, size does matter.. thickness counts.. for metal cones.. gutter minds! Get rolled edges too, if you're going that route.. pricey.. I want one.. or two.

When a bird (chicken) was too big for my plastic bottle cone.. cutting a few slits around the top entry point allowed for more play around the butt area.. and I could feel the round shape kinda conform to the more oval chest. Maybe why some folks aren't liking them.. I've seen round and round with flat back, I think in metal.. I'm processing heritage chickens at different ages.

I even have a smaller 2 liter cone for bantams.

Getting the right size hole cut is my challenge.. mine (first prototype) is a little larger than I'd like and smaller birds may have their whole top half (like crop area) hanging out by the time they're done jerking.

The guy who used to harvest for me also hung them from the ankle.. slipknot style somehow (I need to learn how to tie knots as mine's a new type every time, kinda take out grocery bag half bow).. he said his CX would tend to break their wings flapping but the heritage not so.

Really if your just getting started.. the first time is always figuring out what works for YOU..

We tried using a folding table.. it needed stilts as I cannot sit down for this. I've now converted an old BBQ into my harvesting counter, and it's a good height.

I've seen one person who's cone stays on the tree, all innards and everything goes straight to the ground where the other animals including chickens, surely, leave not a scrap behind! Wish this was my style.. but violence would surely ensue in my pack.

Hang in there on finding the right information and best wishes on your worthwhile adventure!

 

[iwltfum]

I've seen round and round with flat back

These are great for hanging the cone from the backing board and keeping it steady, but the birds are more likely to get out of the cone with the flat back. I used to work at a pastured poultry farm that had these and we eventually switched over to full round because of the escaping issue. Also if you buy a metal cone, DEFINITELY get rounded edges. I have never used a cone without them, but I can imagine that is a recipe for getting cut.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Looking to make a permanent kill cone set up. Dealing with birds from the size of a small dark brahma (excess males) all the way up to old Cornish X and Pekin ducks. I know I'm going to need multiple cone sizes, and I know I want either stainless or aluminum for sanitation, rolled edge for safety.

What I don't know is what sizes and shapes work best - though I have a single recommend against the flat backed round cones for birds backing their way up the cone as they flap. I've also seen round cones, oval cones, sort of hexagonal cones... and read that some cone shapes don't work well for big breasted birds like Cornish X because they are too narrow, while others are so wide the bird isn't secure and just flaps back out - or tries - while butchering. I have neither the materials nor skills to manufacture my own metal cones.

I have searched this forum, read numerous threads, seen a TON of recommends for 2-gal plastic bleach jugs, etc

So, this is for those who actually use metal kill cones. What sizes do YOU use for what birds? Any regrets?? Things you like/dislike about the shape of your cone(s)???

Thanks in advance for any experience(s) you can share.

 

[Molpet]

I have 3 sizes of metal cones. I got them used but they were "rite farm" brand. Flat back. I tape the ankles together and only had one get out.
The larger chicken size works for my heritage, but not the CX. I use a cut up kitty litter jug
The BB turkey size works for my heritage jakes.

 

[AgnesGray]

We priced out metal sheets to make cones ourselves vs getting them already made and for what we could find, it was cheaper to buy them already made. If you have a source for the metal sheets that makes your situation different, I suppose you could wrap one around a bleach bottle or milk jug for size. The head hole measurement can be taken from a sample bird. I've used a milk jug in a pinch and wouldn't want to do that on an ongoing basis, but they are about the right size at chicken shoulder height. I'd start with one and add bigger or smaller once you've had a chance to try it out.

 

[Mosey2003]

I cut and hung a clothes soap jug and am really not a fan. I, too, would like to know the deets on which metal cones are best.

I think a strip of double sided velcro, like for organizing cords, would probably be pretty useful for securing legs together.

 

[speedy2020]

Regular 1 gal milk jug (not Costco) work fine as well if you want to try before spend the $$$.