Does anyone here take their birds in to be processed?

[moenmitz]

That sounds more than fair to me-we will be butchering about 50, all about the same time, and for me I am thinking it would be $100 well spent to not have to mess with any of that! Took me years before I could even cook a whole chicken-always had to have the cut up pieces before-no way I was reaching up a chicken's tush and pulling out that bag of slimy stuff! Got past that, but not without effort. Seriously-I even have a hard time baiting a fishing hook-worm guts...and the way they thrash around...ugh. Pathetic that I have become so far removed from where our food comes from, but I suspect it is too late for me now-if I have to do any butchering, I will surely end up vegetarian. it isn't just the ick factor, not ordinarily squeamish about things solely because of that-I will clean up after the messiest animal, I will doctor the nastiest, pus-covered wounds, even did mouth to mouth on some afterbirth-covered pups without making a face...but killing something, and then gutting it...I just dont think I have it in me.

 

[greyfields]

Everything is costlier in the PNW including bird processing. I have next to no options... and to sell the birds, they must be processed at a State or USDA inspected facilities. There are no USDA facilities in our state which deal with farmers, so then it's down to the State ones. And, then, they aren't even allowed to freeze the birds. I just get them bagged and chilled and am forbidden to repackage, label or freeze them.

But, it's not all bad. I have a little party at the house on processing day. People come get their birds. I pour a little wine... they usually buy some beef or eggs on the way out. It's good to bond with your customers.

 

[frostychicken]

Quote:
I live in the same area and planned to take some birds to a place in Charlotte for processing. I am interested to know if the farmer that processes yours is available to others.

 

[UncleHoot]

Quote:
I just sent you a PM, and now I see that you had already sent me one on 4/12. Oops! I'll have to check that more often.

 

[moenmitz]

Hmmm...wine...that would definitely help me get through it better...

 

[Bizzybirdy]

I live in northern middle TN and took mine to a small family owned organic processer in KY, about an hour's drive. They charged me $3.00 a bird, vacuum bagged....really nice people.

This was my first time raising Cornish X's (have had layers for years) and there is just no comparison to the store bought ones. Am ordering some more chicks this week.

 

[chickensista]

My processor charges $1.50 per bird up to 5 lbs.Then $.35 a lb over.If you want them halved it's $.25 per bird extra.When I pick them up they are bagged and frozen solid.For the job they do and the cost I couldn't heat the water for that.
He said he had to add the $.35 a lb over when I started bringing the 10 lb cornish roasters to him.
I am very happy with them,I hope they stay there awhile. Will

Will,
Who do you use? I found a really nice guy in upstate NY, but he is over 6 hours away. Hoping your processor is closer.

I also PM'd you in case you don't read the thread again.

Terry​

 

[Gersbud]

I live in Mid MI. Last fall I took 10 pheasant that I raised to a man about 5 miles from my house and he charged me 2.00 per bird. He told me that if I ever wanted to raise broiler chickens he only charges 1.50

 

[willheveland]

Quote:
Will,
Who do you use? I found a really nice guy in upstate NY, but he is over 6 hours away. Hoping your processor is closer.

I also PM'd you in case you don't read the thread again.

Terry

Terry,
I use Grap Brothers Slaughter House (Hans and Christian Grap pronounced like Grop)
55 Langford Creek Rd. Van Etten NY 14889 1-607-589-6844
They are really good guys,been doing it along time.Kinda look like they are from the old country.Not a fancy spead,but get the job done and appreciate your business.Last thing they say as you leave "have a nice year".
Will
p.s. they start doing poultry in June.

 

[kees]

Hi,
I live in Putnam County, NY and would be willing to slaughter someone's birds if they didn't want to do it themselves. I've done it several times before with guinea fowl, chicken and grouse. The cost wouldn't be high...you could let me know what you think would be fair. I wouldn't mind skinning them and separating them into parts, boned, or boneless.
Suzy