Have to butcher my first bird tomorrow.

[bobbi-j]

Yes!! A hen who got through the fence and some teenagers ran her over on purpose on my nature strip.. It was a real mess poor girl. Quick at least.

On YOUR property??? I hope you had a chance to report them... Poor bird!

Well, it went great. Caught him easily, he was very calm. Very sleepy from hanging him upside down for a few minutes before putting him in the feed bag with his head through a hole in the corner. His head fitted snugly between the nails. Very clean one chop. It was instant. Once the movement stopped I hanged him in a tree to bleed into a bucket while i checked the temp of the water. Feathers came out very easy after scolding. Brought him inside to gut him in the sink with running water. Removed the windpipe and crop. Then the neck at the backbone. Cut very carefully around the vent and removed all the intestines. Reached in for the heart, lungs and other bits. Removed the legs, tail, oil gland and final pin feathers. Gave him a final wash, wrapped him and put him in the fridge to rest for a few days. The organs are going to our local raptor refuge to feed the threatened Wedgetailed eagles. Thankyou so much everyone. I feel slightly numb. It is a little surreal. But it will be easier next time, i actually was in a zone and focused without any nerves.

GOOD JOB!!

 

[K.Riggs]

Okay that is really cool! How did you even know about that?

My husband absolutely loves raptors and has had a bit to do with the amazing guy that runs it. We also started using an electric mouse zapper and freezing them to take our vermin there too.

 

[K.Riggs]

On YOUR property??? I hope you had a chance to report them... Poor bird!

I heard them speed up to hit her, they had the hide to get out and laugh. They drove off before i had enough details to report. Unfortunately i didn't know what they were laughing at until i walked up my driveway and saw her. I didn't realise she was out. I guess technically the nature strip is council land and not my property. I really was down about it. She was sweet and had just started laying lovely blue eggs.


GOOD JOB!!

Thanks!! As the numbness wears off i'm feeling... Well... A little proud i think!?

 

[bobbi-j]

Thanks!! As the numbness wears off i'm feeling... Well... A little proud i think!?

And well you should! I have had chickens for over 30 years and have yet to kill one myself for butchering or because it needed to be put down. You did good! No, you did GREAT!

 

[K.Riggs]

And well you should! I have had chickens for over 30 years and have yet to kill one myself for butchering or because it needed to be put down. You did good! No, you did GREAT!

Well, i have only had them one year.
One eventful year!
But, i think i am obsessed now. Killing my spare rooster is just part of it, it doesn't change how much i enjoy my chickens. I love to just go outside and look at them interact and forage. I will say that i saw quite a lot of animals killed in my upbringing as my parents farmed somewhat and also hunted rabbit, wallaby and kangaroo. I think that made it a lot easier.

 

[bobbi-j]

Well, i have only had them one year.
One eventful year!
But, i think i am obsessed now. Killing my spare rooster is just part of it, it doesn't change how much i enjoy my chickens. I love to just go outside and look at them interact and forage. I will say that i saw quite a lot of animals killed in my upbringing as my parents farmed somewhat and also hunted rabbit, wallaby and kangaroo. I think that made it a lot easier.

I'm sure it did. And I get what you say about not changing how much you enjoy your chickens. I love watching mine and collecting eggs. They are fun to have around. But I have also learned that when I decide who's on "the list", I start withdrawing from those birds. I still feed and water, but do what I can to avoid an attachment.

 

[K.Riggs]

I'm sure it did. And I get what you say about not changing how much you enjoy your chickens. I love watching mine and collecting eggs. They are fun to have around. But I have also learned that when I decide who's on "the list", I start withdrawing from those birds. I still feed and water, but do what I can to avoid an attachment.

Yes, i understand. You know i watched that boy sitting in the last of the sun with his feathers ruffling from the light afternoon wind yesterday. I appreciated him for a moment, and felt sad. But i will move on and go outside to clean out the nest boxes and refresh my geese's pools. There is plenty to distract and enjoy

 

[21hens-incharge]

WOW! I am super glad it went without to much hassle.
You did very well indeed!

 

[K.Riggs]

The flapping that comes with decapitation is also reflexive. It's not as clean as the cone method, though. For us, the bird is caught and decapitated in less than 30 seconds. It's over that fast. Then we either put them in a 5-gal bucket until they're done flapping, or I hold the carcass by the feet until the flapping is done. (Yes, it does get a bit messy at times.) Either way, in my opinion, is a quick, humane way of doing it. That's really the important thing.

Having them in the stock feed bag took all the mess out of it for me, it acted as a funnel for the blood to go straight into the bucket and the flapping didn't send it flying. Not a drop spilled.

 

[FrankHomestead]

Well, it went great. Caught him easily, he was very calm. Very sleepy from hanging him upside down for a few minutes before putting him in the feed bag with his head through a hole in the corner. His head fitted snugly between the nails. Very clean one chop. It was instant. Once the movement stopped I hanged him in a tree to bleed into a bucket while i checked the temp of the water. Feathers came out very easy after scolding. Brought him inside to gut him in the sink with running water. Removed the windpipe and crop. Then the neck at the backbone. Cut very carefully around the vent and removed all the intestines. Reached in for the heart, lungs and other bits. Removed the legs, tail, oil gland and final pin feathers. Gave him a final wash, wrapped him and put him in the fridge to rest for a few days. The organs are going to our local raptor refuge to feed the threatened Wedgetailed eagles. Thankyou so much everyone. I feel slightly numb. It is a little surreal. But it will be easier next time, i actually was in a zone and focused without any nerves.

That is awesome good job!!! And that is a very nice looking carcass! You'll have to let us know how it tastes!! Are you going to use a brine or just rest as is? I'm so excited for you, first bird processing, Yay!! Now when you watch your family eating it you will feel a whole new feeling of accomplishment!