First processing, I survived!

[Noymira]

I did my first processing of 2 birds today. My dad came over to help and we kind of learned as we went! I've been researching for while and watching videos, so I knew generally what to do- he's a hunter but has never done chickens before. It was not as bad as I thought it would be and will definitely do it again! It was a good father/daughter bonding experience as well.

We will make some changes for the next time; sharper knife, kill cone and plucking rather than skinning I think. It was a real learning experience and something I'm glad I know how to do, though I do need a lot more practice before I feel competent at it.

 

[galanie]

As much as I thought I had a sharp knife, "Sharper knife" was the first thing I decided I was going for after my first processing! Grats on your first experience!!

 

[Cakela]

Congrats! I know what you mean with by a sharper knife. DB bought me a new one today just for the meaties. Sounds like you had a great time with your dad, which hopefully made the whole ordeal a little easier.

 

[kingsfarm]

Hi, am so happy for you.....you will even enjoy skinning 100% better after watching this video...go to the top of this Meat birds etc and click on the STICKY at the top...says: Meat section notable archives.....then scroll to the LAST LINE that says: How to skin and Evescerate a chicken......You cannot believe how simple they show it is....enjoy....I learned to process .....my last one in 20 min......good luck...am so happy you had your father to do this with, mine has been gone many years now....

 

[Keara]

congrats! I am glad you made it through. I agree about not skinning it can be soo messy. But honestly if you are just doing a few birds and you get a proper scald... hand plucking is not that hard.

 

[Noymira]

Quote:
Keara, thanks! I had thought it would be easier to skin than to warm up our turkey cooker for scalding just two birds, next time I think I will just scald and pluck. I don't think skinning saved me much time!