First time butchering this Friday!

[ChickyLaura]

Just wanted to post on here that I'm definitely taking the plunge on Friday. I answered an add on Craigslist for roosters. The lady just returned my call - she has buff Brahmas and Buff Orpingtons. She has a dozen, but I'm only taking 4 to begin with. And my little bantam Wyandotte roo

They are a year old, so I plan to cook them low and slow. I'm starting to get butterflies. I hope this goes well. DH and I are going to start getting everything ready today. I pick the birds up tomorrow after work.

I told her if this goes well, I may be back for more roosters.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

remember to let them "rest" for few days before cooking at any method. Just mentioning, as this was my big mistake on my first butcher day.

 

[ChickyLaura]

Thanks! I plan on brining them, well, I can only brine one at a time. If I keep doing this, I think I'll need a second refrigerator!

I have been poring over the meat bird thread for a few weeks, so I think I'm as ready as I can be to take the plunge!

 

[ChickyLaura]

Well, I went and picked up my 4 big, beautiful Buff Orpingtons this evening. I have 3 of them in one big dog carrier and I had a heck of a time carrying them - they are so big!!! I will get weights before and after tomorrow, as well as pictures.

I bought the roosters off of some really, really nice people. I was talking "shop" with them for awhile, and apparently this guy has a lot of good hook ups. He knows a Mennonite farmer that butchers chickens for $1.25. I plan on doing my own chickens, but I may use that guy for the turkeys I'm raising this year.

DH, myself, and my step daughter have a date at 0900 tomorrow morning. I plan on brewing a nice big pot of coffee and getting some donuts. Might as well make it as pleasant as possible - at least for us humans. I'm not looking forward to killing them, but I am looking forward to learning the process.

I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond today and got a really nice large cutting board and poultry shears. Tomorrow will be quite a learning experience for me. Wish me luck!

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

GOOD LUCK!!!!
me I'm a wimp and would jump at 1.25 a bird! lol!

 

[maizey]

I'm supposed to be going to a chicken kill in' myself on Saturday. A friend has some roosters to dispatch and we are going to learn how to do it ourselves. I guess it will be easier for me since they aren't my birds...but I've never seen it, much less participated. It's going to be interesting...let us know how it goes.

 

[booker81]

Good luck! Just take it slow and easy - there is no rush! I'd suggest doing the first bird through to ready to rest, and really taking your time, you can learn a lot from a carcass.

 

[Kassaundra]

Good luck, hope it all goes well.

 

[ChickyLaura]

Thank you, I will follow your advice. Countdown is on: 1 1/2 hours to go. I have the 4 roosters in dog cages in my laundry room. I woke up to one crowing. I feel sad, but... I can do this.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
Me too!!! Hope things go smoothly with the processing today!!