Farming and Homesteading Heritage Poultry

[Arielle]

Quote: Oh I see, thank you for explaining.

 

[Extra Java]

OK, so we've made it to the 11 week mark and would like to try our hands with the spatchcock method and realized our killing cones are WAY to large!

Are there any clever ideas on making it work with what we have or do we need to purchase a smaller cone? What size "Featherman" cone works on an 11 week old???

 

[Yellow House Farm]

OK, so we've made it to the 11 week mark and would like to try our hands with the spatchcock method and realized our killing cones are WAY to large!

Are there any clever ideas on making it work with what we have or do we need to purchase a smaller cone? What size "Featherman" cone works on an 11 week old???

I'd fatten them for 2 weeks and do them at 13 weeks. Get the smallest one they have. I think of killing cones as coming in three sizes. You want the smallest. I this age you can use a meat clever, but then you have to stand there and hold them til they drain.

On another note, are you sure you're ready to cull any? I'm not sure I remember your story, but are you clear on what's cull versus what isn't?

 

[bnjrob]

OK, so we've made it to the 11 week mark and would like to try our hands with the spatchcock method and realized our killing cones are WAY to large!

Are there any clever ideas on making it work with what we have or do we need to purchase a smaller cone? What size "Featherman" cone works on an 11 week old???

We have the broiler size and haven't had an issue with using it for various ages. The smaller ones go down into the cone more, but they don't fall out, just stretch their neck out and make the cut.

 

[Extra Java]

Thanks yes, I'm familiar with what determines a cull for this breed. I realize they're slow growing as well but some are obvious culls. I have 3 separate lines of Java going. I'm debating keeping each line separate or combining the very best few and create my own line...which I'm strongly leaning towards. (I wanted to see which line is the best to work with). All are marked and I know who's who if I need to undo anything.

BTW: This is an excellent representation of 2 different lines of the same breed.
http://pathfindersfarm.com/Assessing.html

Thanks for the help! I'll fatten them up and post pictures in a few weeks.

 

[Extra Java]

We have the broiler size and haven't had an issue with using it for various ages. The smaller ones go down into the cone more, but they don't fall out, just stretch their neck out and make the cut.

Thanks, we have the larger size cones and had an Araucana fall through...right into the bucket. LOL

We had to tie her feet, hang her up, insert through the cone etc. We prefer the cone so, I'll purchase a new and improved "spatchcock" cone.

She had plenty of meat on her though for such a small bird.

 

[colburg]

A used bleach bottle works well for this. There are several different sizes of bottles, just cut the opening to what you need.

I did 50 CX in one large bleach bottle, cleaned it, and it's ready to go again. Those things are tough.

colburg

 

[Extra Java]

Thanks for the great idea.

That's a money saver too.

 

[bnjrob]

Thanks, we have the larger size cones and had an Araucana fall through...right into the bucket. LOL

We had to tie her feet, hang her up, insert through the cone etc. We prefer the cone so, I'll purchase a new and improved "spatchcock" cone.

She had plenty of meat on her though for such a small bird.

OOPS! Bet that was a pain in the butt with a bunch of squawking....trying not to laugh but I can just see it.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

Thanks, we have the larger size cones and had an Araucana fall through...right into the bucket. LOL

We had to tie her feet, hang her up, insert through the cone etc. We prefer the cone so, I'll purchase a new and improved "spatchcock" cone.

She had plenty of meat on her though for such a small bird.

Looks great! Nice photo comparison, too, of the two Buckeye carcasses.