Eastern Tennessee Thread

[grawg]

Hmm I don't have any poultry to cull atm. I was thinking about getting some peking ducks in the spring to raise for meat, but would love to get some experience in before hand. I'll bring wine or beer though... alcohol, sharp tools, blood and guts what could go wrong?

As for the 2 "problems" that were brought up, I agree with both of them, but there is still an emotional toll to taking a life. The effect of that toll will vary with the individual and the circumstance. Just thought I'd bring that up for consideration, because there is always going to be opposing viewpoints.

 

[TNChick82]

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I might have to go just to watch. This might get funny.

Oh I can watch someone process their own chickens. Just not mine lol.

 

[ladyride]

All kidding aside there will always be an emotional component to processing we raise these chickens, care for them, some we even name.If you have respect for life it is not an easy thing to do on any level, except spiders can't stand them. I would much rather process something I had grown knowing it had a happy little life until that one bad day. I know they were raised with respect, treated almost like a pet, had good housing good feed, able to get out & do little chicken things. The chicken in the grocery store had none of those things, much less processed with dignity & thanks given to God for the life the chicken had.
I can't make the killing cut I have tried just can't do it, my SO can. But I can do the rest of the processing job without a qualm. We all have our limitations we share the load to offset the trade offs. When I process I can make them look prettier than the SO. As a group we can use our strengths & weaknesses to make a better group. Always doing uncomfortable things as a group makes it a little easier doing & we learn new ways & sometimes better ways of doing the job.
Well so much for the wisdom of Elaine.

 

[TNChick82]

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I completely agree!! I can't make the kill cut! I might be able to do the rest like you said. I have thought about this a lot. Because if we get a small farm like I want. This will be something I need to learn to do and to face. Oh and dont get me stated on spiders or snakes. I about wrecked my jeep the other day because there was a spider on my dash!

 

[NellaBean]

Well, I'm halfway there cause I don't have a problem with them going for food....just can't do it myself. Spent years and years working in humane animal care field working on saving lives....just can't bring myself to take one, even if its the most humane option. Just can't do it. Might be able to process once head was removed......I have already admitted my dead animal phobia. It really is the head/eyes that are the worst. Blech.

 

[ladyride]

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your right that is the worst part.

 

[grawg]

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Hold on now! Spiders and snake are great. I make sure to provide a good habitat to spiders in my garden every year. And I have a couple resident kingsnakes around the house that I see from time to time. Beautiful animals

Now I will kill black widows...but that is only to keep one of my kids from accidentally running across it.

 

[ladyride]

No problem with snakes unless poisonous. But spiders whole other story. They are just sooo creepy.

 

[tnchickenut]

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I would still be in the back crying like a baby.

I'm sorry I can't help it. I bought my first 6 chickens 2 weeks before I got laid off. Those chickens help me keep my sanity. Until the company was ready to bring me back. We became our own mobility company and it took a month and half. Before I was back in office. I spent a lot of time with those chickens during that time and even took in my moms 4. Because she was having problems with bears at her house. I set in the backyard and watched them. My husband thought I was loosing it.

I have a flock of Delawares that will never be eatten (besides by now they are getting to be old at 5 years (and still laying)). They kept the food on the table. I HATE EGGS! But I had to eat them more than once while I was laid off... just like people say "You'll eat it when you are hungery" but I also have to admit that I gagged the way through

 

[tnchickenut]

In regards to this BYOC day...

I'm thinking the group will motivate those who need it (Daphne)... give experience to those who need it... and possibly help those who might learn a new trick or something.

Someone suggested bringing a scalder... we can just make it a block party type event. BIG BLOCK....

I have been using a metal trashbin for a scalder... with a fire under it... so primative. I'm going to be buying a turkey fryer this weekend for scalding... I can bring it too. I pluck by hand... I like it. But if someone has a plucker, maybe someone might prefer that.

I have to warn you... I don't do the gutting here... I let my dad do it (I'm 30!!!) so I guess I got some learning to do too