The most upset they get is when you actually pick them up. They are so big, it takes some doing to get your hands around them so that they feel safe. Once cradled, they are calm and the way we hold them, they stay that way. The jugular is cut and they are upside down to bleed. There really isn't any screaming or carrying on at all. Some twitching, flapping but only for about ten seconds. Then we remove the head and hang a little longer. On into the scalding pot and then a couple dunks and swishing. Plucking then gutting then cooling. From the time they are cut until they are into the water it is only a matter of maybe less than five minutes.
This particular variety of bird is meant to eat. It can't live or reproduce normally since it is bred to have a very short and productive life. Our job is to make sure that short life is as good a life as possible and that when they fulfill their destiny it is with a prayer of thanks said for their gift.
People are so removed from where their food comes from it is amazing really. No one wants to think of the life that was given so that they may live. Even plants have lives and we take them freely as well. Good stewards of the earth we must be, and that means being thankful for what we have been given.
Jane
