Butcher Day

[hdchic]

Today is D-day for mine......yours looked good skinned! I did 5 2 days ago, and skinned the breasts, but left the skin on the legs/thighs and wings. It worked out filleting the breast off the ribs, as I didn't have to gut the whole bird, and made things much faster. Today I will keep some whole, and leave some breasts with bone in. I think mine dressed out at 7lbs as well.

You are sooo right, without the people here, I would have been LOST!!! Thanx everyone!!

 

[Redfeathers]

I had my birds processed today. The majority of them were 4.5 pounds with a few almost 6 pounds. A few little girls were only 3 pounds 15 ounces. I think next year I'll feed them more or let them keep the food at night so they can get a little bigger. I was surpised at some of them being so small, they sure felt big when I picked them up. They all look healthy and yummy though and I'm happy.

 

[hdchic]

Has anyone had problems with the skin tearing? I've noticed on a few of mine when I would pluck/rub with the gloves, the skin around the legs would rip. I wasn't rubbing hard (I didn't think) and even noticed bruising in the wings....anyone else have this happen?

 

[HobbyChickener]

The skin is ripping because you are leaving them in the water for too long or it is to hot. It will get soft quick if you don't watch it. All the water needs to be is hot enough that you can put your finger in it but not leave it for more than about 4-5 seconds. then you need to soak the bird for 20-25 seconds. Hope that helps

On another note we put the first 7 meats in the freezer today. they averaged 8-9 lbs per bird. Healthy / fat little buggers. We are going to do the next 7 around the end of the month.

 

[Keno]

We did up a couple more cornishx and this time used a plucker my son made from a piece of pvc pipe and 1/4" rubber hose. Worked real slick and got 95% of feathers off in about 45 seconds . We used a electric drill to power it for the experiment and will make a perment outfit now that we know it works.

 

[greyfields]

 

[HobbyChickener]

Keno

Please post a picture of your son invention. If it will pluck a bird in 45 seconds HE IS MY HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!