First Time Processing Cockerels

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Hello everyone
My Sebright x Old English Game Bantam pullet hatched 6 Silkie mix chicks 5 weeks ago. 3 are cockerels and will be butchered in 1-2 months. In accordance with Jewish law they will be slaughtered by a ritual slaughterer (shochet). I will be helping with the processing of the birds. I will be driving an hour to the ritual slaughterer to have my birds slaughtered. Once the birds are cleaned and bagged should I put them on ice for the drive home? I plan to let them sit in the fridge for 3-5 days to let the rigor mortis pass.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

That sounds very interesting, sorry I can't answer your question. However I would be interested in knowing what the difference between the way birds are usually slaughtered for consumption and the kosher way. Thanks for the educational info.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

That sounds very interesting, sorry I can't answer your question. However I would be interested in knowing what the difference between the way birds are usually slaughtered for consumption and the kosher way. Thanks for the educational info.

In order for a chicken to be considered kosher a ritual slaughterer (a shochet) who is an observant Jew has to perform the act of slitting the throat in one clean action. The knife has to be very sharp and clean from nicks. Also the meat is salted before it can be eaten to draw out as much blood as possible.

 

[Ms Biddy]

Yes, you should put them in ice for the trip home. Sounds like a great accomplishment, congrats!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Yes, you should put them in ice for the trip home. Sounds like a great accomplishment, congrats!

Thank you. Should I cover them completely in ice or will them being on the ice in a cooler be enough?

 

[Ursuline Chick]

In order for a chicken to be considered kosher a ritual slaughterer (a shochet) who is an observant Jew has to perform the act of slitting the throat in one clean action. The knife has to be very sharp and clean from nicks. Also the meat is salted before it can be eaten.

Sounds very humane, thank you for educating me.

 

[snow5164]

I would cover them, it will melt quickly in all this heat .

Enjoy the fresh meat !

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I would cover them, it will melt quickly in all this heat .

Enjoy the fresh meat !

Very true about this heat. I’ll buy extra ice.

 

[Maeschak]

Hello everyone
My Sebright x Old English Game Bantam pullet hatched 6 Silkie mix chicks 5 weeks ago. 3 are cockerels and will be butchered in 1-2 months. In accordance with Jewish law they will be slaughtered by a ritual slaughterer (shochet). I will be helping with the processing of the birds. I will be driving an hour to the ritual slaughterer to have my birds slaughtered. Once the birds are cleaned and bagged should I put them on ice for the drive home? I plan to let them sit in the fridge for 3-5 days to let the rigor mortis pass.

Yes, def put them on ice. The birds need to be chilled down to fridge temps as soon after butchering as possible. Then kept chilled (on ice in a cooler or fridge) while resting. Anytime after butchering that the flesh temps are warmer than a fridge the bacteria growth rate explodes.

Having said that, I butcher my own chickens and occasionally it is a few hours until my birds are properly chilled and I haven't Had any ill effects. (But I also don't hesitate to eat 'suspect' food that others wouldn't touch).

Good luck to you~

 

[Mosey2003]

If you're traveling, I would put some ice in the bottom, then the birds, then ice on top.