First chicken kill

[6869704x4]

After plucking my first chicken there are what looks like really fine hairs left on a lot of the skin.
What are these and am I doing somthing wrong? Any idea how to prevent this? Is it even a concern?

 

[jaku]

You can't prevent it unless you get Cornish X's- the hairs have been bred out of them. You can easily get rid of them, however, using a handheld propane torch. They singe right off.

 

[juice]

hi, do you use the torch right after processing,before freezing? Or do it each time you about to cook them? Will the torch lower the temp. too much right after culling? thanks. juice

 

[underground chickenman]

You singe the hairs are part of the processing. You don't have to get very close. You want to singe the hairs, not the skin. Don't aim the point of the flame directly at the chicken. Approach more or less parallel to the skin so you are singeing a broader area and not directing the hot pinpoint of the flame at a few hairs. The radiant heat from the side of the flame will be enough to singe the hairs off. Take short little passes and as the hairs singe, pull back. Kind of an in and out sweeping motion like you are touching up something with a light dusting of spray paint--just to get the hairs but not leave the flame in place long enough to scorch the skin.

UGCM

 

[juice]

thank you so much , great description. have a great sunday

 

[sourland]

Jaku, you just gave me a flashback to the smell of scorched chickens after my mother used to get done butchering. Yuck!!!!

 

[6869704x4]

Thanks for the answers. I stumbled on the torch idea.
An old friend stopped by and said when he was a kid they would take a piece of rolled up newspaper and light it to singe the hair off. I didn't have any newspaper so I used my propane torch. I did singe some skin till I learned to keep the torch moving.
Pic of first kill.

Straight to the grill
(The gas can is empty)

It was tasty, a little tough but the chickens were 7-8 months old.

 

[willkatdawson]

YUM!!!

 

[underground chickenman]

If you "age" it in the refrigerator for a few days, it will tender up a little. They are going to be tougher day of kill.

UGCM

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Quote:
LOL.... no, they haven't been breed out of them. It's the age, the birds don't develop the hair until like 16 weeks.