Has anyone looked into the Controlled Atmosphere System (CAS) for poultry http://www.canadianpoultrymag.com/content/view/867/? I would like to build my own for small scale poultry processing (50 or less birds at a time). Anyone have a plan for something like this?
I did try Argon gas and a clear rubbermaid tub once. I could fit 3 broilers in the tub (turned upside down over the birds), then I had a hose duct taped to a hole I drilled at the top and pumped Argon from a tank I rented at at welding supply store. I imagine that the gas didn't come out fast enough to dispace the oxygen because the chickens didn't even look a little bit sleepy after about a minute or so of quietly sitting in the tub. I also tried helium but used a whole tank (the little ones you get at Walmart) without effect. Maybe CO would be better? I know CO2 causes a panic response (based on something I read, not my own experiment).
Honestly, I don't have any trouble with my chickens since I use the cones and find they're pretty calm about going from the catch cage into the cone. It's my Muscovy and my Geese that are a concern. They absolutey need to be stunned first because they take a long time to pass out after the bleed-out cuts are made and I've had them climb right out of the cones and march off across the barnyard. I just don't have it in me to hit them on the head to stun them. First, they don't sit still for that business and second, it just seems kind of mean - especially if the first strike isn't effective
I've been chopping their heads off - not very easy with the Muscovy. The whole thing is very stressful for the bird and me.
I really need a better way before spring harvest. I'd like to try the CAS and then as a back-up try the "broomstick dislocation" method... need some advice about that one also.
I did try Argon gas and a clear rubbermaid tub once. I could fit 3 broilers in the tub (turned upside down over the birds), then I had a hose duct taped to a hole I drilled at the top and pumped Argon from a tank I rented at at welding supply store. I imagine that the gas didn't come out fast enough to dispace the oxygen because the chickens didn't even look a little bit sleepy after about a minute or so of quietly sitting in the tub. I also tried helium but used a whole tank (the little ones you get at Walmart) without effect. Maybe CO would be better? I know CO2 causes a panic response (based on something I read, not my own experiment).
Honestly, I don't have any trouble with my chickens since I use the cones and find they're pretty calm about going from the catch cage into the cone. It's my Muscovy and my Geese that are a concern. They absolutey need to be stunned first because they take a long time to pass out after the bleed-out cuts are made and I've had them climb right out of the cones and march off across the barnyard. I just don't have it in me to hit them on the head to stun them. First, they don't sit still for that business and second, it just seems kind of mean - especially if the first strike isn't effective
I really need a better way before spring harvest. I'd like to try the CAS and then as a back-up try the "broomstick dislocation" method... need some advice about that one also.
