Crap have to process ASAP

[boyswillbeboys]

I noticed yesterday one of my meaties wasn't doing so hot, sneezing and not moving around much, I went in this morning and he didn't get up with the rest of them, I was able to get him up to drink a bit of water, but he's not going to make it through the day. DH is at work and everyone I know with experience is working today too. I have never processed one before, I'm alone out here with my 3 kids. Ack.

 

[redsoxs]

Sorry to hear about your predicament. There are several videos online about processing birds. Wish I could say there's nothing to it but I've got hundreds and hundreds of birds I've processed and I'm sure my first attempt was a comedy of errors. But with some video help you will be okay! Lots of luck.

 

[bowhunter862]

It doesn't have to be pretty to eat. Remove the feathers and take the parts on the inside and put 'em on the outside. Wash it up and throw it in the fridge.

 

[boyswillbeboys]

Thanks guys, I ended up calling a friend who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty, her boyfriend did the deed, on his way to work, then we did the rest, it was quite interesting, and I made a couple mistakes, but it was definitely the heart, I found a sack full of fluid around it, while I was gutting it. I managed to not damage the lower intestines but above the gizzard got ripped open. It will be a meal for the kids and I, not really enough meat for my hubby too.

 

[BCMaraniac]

Thanks guys, I ended up calling a friend who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty, her boyfriend did the deed, on his way to work, then we did the rest, it was quite interesting, and I made a couple mistakes, but it was definitely the heart, I found a sack full of fluid around it, while I was gutting it. I managed to not damage the lower intestines but above the gizzard got ripped open. It will be a meal for the kids and I, not really enough meat for my hubby too.

That's what hubby gets for being at work!!

You will enjoy a delicious meal for your efforts.

I had that happen too, but mine was probably within a few minutes, because his comb was blue. I had processed before, but we did it emergently. I just skinned and harvested breast, legs, thighs, and wings. I didn't want to open abdominal cavity, because it was swollen and probably contained fluid(ascites) Plus he hadn't been fasted.

You did a good job. The next processing will be easier, even if you have to do it yourself.