first processing by myself

[funnyfarmmom]

This is my third set of meatheads, but hubby has always done the ending for me and then I take over from there. But he really doesnt like doing it, says he feels guilty. Plus he works two jobs and isnt always up to doing it when Im ready. I told him the other day that I wanted to start raising enough at a time to sell enough to basically get ours free. He said not until I learn how to do the deed myself.

So I currently (well had) 5 seven week old cornish x and 4 six week olds. I planned to do the 5 yesterday. I talked myself out of it. Said I would do it today. Started to talk myself out of it. Lol. Then hubby came out and said he had my scalding pot heating, just get on with it. .

So I intended to wring their necks. My friend up the road described how to do it. But once I had the first one in my hands I was afraid it wouldnt work. My hoe was sitting there so I decided to try the broomstick method. One good hard pull and I had done it! I did 2 more and got them all 3 processed even with hand plucking in just over an hour. Ill do the other 2 tomorrow while hubby is at work since I know I dont need his help now . He's taking me to Rural King this evening for more chicks.

 

[lazy gardener]

Good for you. I am also at the point where you are. I fear being able to complete the task. Am not good with an axe, have dismal knives. Considering broom vs killing cone. Hubby also does not like to do the task.

 

[funnyfarmmom]

Good for you.  I am also at the point where you are.  I fear being able to complete the task.  Am not good with an axe, have dismal knives.  Considering broom vs killing cone.  Hubby also does not like to do the task.

I wasnt going to get this graphic, but when I used the hoe handle the head came clean off. I had a bucket beside me weighted with rocks so soon as I saw the head off I plopped it in the bucket to bleed out. Very quick and I didnt chop my arm off with an ax.

 

[lazy gardener]

While you're going about being graphic, can you tell me how you positioned the bird, and the hoe, and then... what comes next!

 

[melamb13]

Did you use a 5 gallon bucket? What temp is your scalding pot?

 

[funnyfarmmom]

Ok. I had the bird hanging upside down by his feet in one hand. I lowered him down until his head rested flat on the ground, laid the hoe across his neck just below the base of the head. I put both my feet on the handle on either side of his head and yanked his feet up at nearly the same time I stepped down. His head popped off almost instantly. The only bucket i had was a smaller mop bucket, but a 5 gallon would have been better. I had lined it with a bag to contain the mess, and the large rocks kept it from falling over as the bird flapped. My scalding water was just over 150 degrees fahrenheit. I add a little dish soap to the water and they are really easy to pluck.

 

[GreenRunner]

You're not the only one to experience a head pop off! My first dispatch didn't go as planned as I tried to wring the neck, thought I'd done the job and obviously hadn't. By this time I was really not liking the experience and just wanted to end it quickly - for both our sakes - so used the broom. Yep....head popped straight off, but I wasn't expecting it and the body flew up as the wings flapped. Oops!

Good tip about the plucking. It took me an AGE to do it before. I'd love to rear more birds for meat, but the killing process, combined with the plucking bit, really puts me off. I'll have to read up on ways to quicken the post-kill prep.

 

[melamb13]

Ok. I had the bird hanging upside down by his feet in one hand. I lowered him down until his head rested flat on the ground, laid the hoe across his neck just below the base of the head. I put both my feet on the handle on either side of his head and yanked his feet up at nearly the same time I stepped down. His head popped off almost instantly. The only bucket i had was a smaller mop bucket, but a 5 gallon would have been better. I had lined it with a bag to contain the mess, and the large rocks kept it from falling over as the bird flapped. My scalding water was just over 150 degrees fahrenheit. I add a little dish soap to the water and they are really easy to pluck.

thank you, I've processed rabbits, but that's a whole nother story than dealing with plucking. I'm a good ways away from my first processing, but I will definitely use your info when I get to it. Thanks again.

 

[funnyfarmmom]

You are quite welcome