Home turkey processing

[hannibalpunic]

Hello, Everyone!

I am new to the forum, this being my first post, although I have lurked and read for some time. I love the info on this forum!

I have a question that I cant find a lot of answers for: Home Turkey Processing. Does anyone do it? In addition to my chickens, I got 15 turkeys this year ( I am down now to 11, due to attrition), and have been trying to find any info out on processing, tips, experience, etc.

Any help out there?

 

[mmajw]

You should be able to process them like a meat chicken. Or find your local butcher and see if they do turkeys.

 

[reallemons1]

I've done them. Just like chickens... only bigger!

 

[FarmGirl01]

We have done lots of them. I think they are easier than a chicken. Same process only bigger. No worries.

 

[silkiechicken]

Can you dry pluck a turkey?

I am still trying to figure out how to scald my turkeys when they get large enough. They're only 7 lbs now.

 

[hannibalpunic]

What do you all use as a hot water tub? I am thinking of a half 55 gallon plastic barrel with a heating unit.

Any suggestions?

And I found this site: http://www.friday.com/bbum/2006/11/21/how-to-harvest-a-turkey/

Comments?

 

[reallemons1]

I have an extra large hot water canner. Don't know tht actual size, but it holds 10 quart jars instead of the usual 7.

 

[chickenannie]

How do you weigh your turkey (or chicken). do you put them on a scale? (before they are butchered)

 

[FarmGirl01]

We dry pluck our turkeys. All the feathers seem to come out with no trouble. We also have a hanging scale that we use to weigh the birds.
Our biggest turkey weighed over 40 lbs. He was a BB white.