Cones for processing?

[Farmer Kitty]

I was looking on MMH web-site and noticed they had processing equipment. I was curious as to what they would sell for processing equipment and saw they had three different size cones. Now my question: What are the cones used for? DH and I both have different ideas and I'm wondering if either of us is correct. We have processed birds but never used a cone-obviously.

Thanks for any input.

 

[arlee453]

The cone is used to hold the chicken still. Chicken goes in head first so their head sticks out the small end.

Then after you dispatch the chicken it keeps the body from flapping around while you bleed out the carcass.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Wouldn't it be hard to get them into it? We use a board and twine string. Board to dispatch head and twine around legs to hold them and hang them up by. Can you pluck them in it so their legs are tucked with their body instead of spread out like hanging them does?

 

[greyfields]

They really are just for cutting and bleeding, not plucking. Because the cone narrows as it goes down, it compresses their body.... similar to a squeeze chute for cows, which calms them down and they feel safe. They seem to be a humane way to go to me.

 

[HobbyChickener]

IMO they are very helpful. It cuts down on the trashing of the bird after in has been decapitated, thus less blood every where. Also it is alot easier to set a bird in a cone than it is to try and tie it's feet off right before or after "the deed"

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Thanks for the answers. I guess I now know what cones are for.

Our birds have just laid there with their head on the board and never fought or knew what hit them, so I'm not worried about them feeling safe as they must or they would fight.

 

[freeholdfarms]

Pictures of cones being used:
http://thedeliberateagrarian.blogspot.com/2006/08/processing-chickens-with-my-son.html