Butchering Cull Cockerels Today

[Matejka]

Don't get attached to em. They're food not pets.
It's harder said than done. They're so cute when their little.. just remember it's food

 

[Molpet]

scalding arrangements were inadequate

I turn up the house water heater and it comes out 160f . I use a thermometer and goal for 150 to 160. ... I only do a few at a day, so I dump after it gets dirty anyway.

 

[3KillerBs]

I turn up the house water heater and it comes out 160f . I use a thermometer and goal for 150 to 160. ... I only do a few at a day, so I dump after it gets dirty anyway.

It's not readily adjustable.

I tried using my electric canner to boil water more easily and then carried pitchers outside to put into a clean trash can with enough cold water to get the temperature right, but it didn't stay hot well enough.

Perhaps if I use a cooler as a scalding tank?

 

[Molpet]

Perhaps if I use a cooler as a scalding tank?

People have said they use that .

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes! I want to get some CornishX meat birds, but I'm trying to figure out how I want to butcher and process them. I think Ill use broomstick method (cervical dislocation) and then skin them. (I don't like the skin)

 

[3KillerBs]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes! I want to get some CornishX meat birds, but I'm trying to figure out how I want to butcher and process them. I think Ill use broomstick method (cervical dislocation) and then skin them. (I don't like the skin)

I find the broomstick method both easy and reliable.

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

I find the broomstick method both easy and reliable.

I want their life to be good and end easy, for both me and them. Also, it will make it easier on me if no blood happens, so as long as I do it right, the broomstick method seems perfect for me.

 

[3KillerBs]

I want their life to be good and end easy, for both me and them. Also, it will make it easier on me if no blood happens, so as long as I do it right, the broomstick method seems perfect for me.

The broomstick method is indeed bloodless if done right -- until you cut off the head. Sometimes you will pull too hard and take the head clear off so you have to be mentally prepared for that possibility.

It takes some practice to get right and if you can find someone who will personally instruct you that's best.

 

[3KillerBs]

Funny boys!

When the three remaining birds got out while I was inside gutting the others I let them roam, thinking that they'd go home to roost.

During the evening they hung around the outside of the electric fence trying to attract hens' attention -- with a notable lack of success. Fortunately for them -- and for me -- Rameses is a very laid-back rooster who didn't react aggressively.

I figured that when it got dark they'd go back to Camp Cockerel to roost.

Little Boy Blue did -- sensible bird.

Red #2 managed to get up on top of the coop door to roost there.

But Rockstar got up on the coop roof, jumped down into the run, and went into the coop. Again, note that Rameses is a laid-back, easygoing fellow. I had to knock Red #2 off the door in order to close up. But I caught him and carried him back to his own coop.

Catching Rockstar inside the coop was a bit of a circus. He kept running all over and when he tried to get up next to a hen he got pecked. Finally, I got him by an ankle and turned him upside down until he calmed down enough to get into a safe carry.

I told him how lucky he was that I'd caught him before a cranky, molting hen beat the tar out of him. The normally ladylike Marans hens are taking NO NONSENSE right now.

I keep forgetting to take current pictures of the coop and run. But that door was open with Red #2 on top and Rockstar jumped up on that roof then down into the run so he could go in.

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

The broomstick method is indeed bloodless if done right -- until you cut off the head. Sometimes you will pull too hard and take the head clear off so you have to be mentally prepared for that possibility.

It takes some practice to get right and if you can find someone who will personally instruct you that's best.

Thats the hard part for me. The good part is that I think CornishX are UGLY. So they are not hard to take out of this world.