I've got 24 chickens and 11 turkeys that will be ready to process soon. I fully expected to do the processing myself, but I'd rather find someone to do it for me. Payment per bird, or payment by bird. I am in Georgia. I can't tell you how many numbers I've called (USDA, local extension agents, larger processing facilities like "Pilgrim", deer processors, etc.) I am at a dead end. Any help?
To bad your not up here in VA. Id do it for ya in a heart beat even come to you. I am sure you will find people on here who are willing to help out. Have you thought about doing it yourself? I wasnt sure I could do it myself but once I got the first bird down I realized this isnt bad at all and its just part of the food chain.... very natural part of life.
This is the thing that has kept me from raising chickens! Silly, I know, given that we eat chicken more than any other meat. I'm in Virginia. Owingsia, how many chickens would I need to raise to have you come process them for me?
A quick and easy way, if you do not mind having skin off, is to pull off the skin with feathers. You do loose the wings that way. We are going the opposites direction now in that we are starting to pluck as I feel the meat is better with the skin on.
Try calling the local poultry ag teacher at local high school and ask where kids get chickens processed from show.
Have you looked to see if there are any processing trailers (not sure if there is an official name for them) for rent? I found a couple stories while trying to find a processor for you: pt 1 http://www.atlantamagazine.com/covereddish/2011/05/27/in-georgia-local-birds-may-take-scenic-route pt 2 http://www.atlantamagazine.com/covereddish/2011/06/03/small-farmers-go-to-great-lengths-to-process http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/local-meat-processing-zmgz12onzphe.aspx I'm not sure if you will find any useful information for you regarding your situation. I fully understand your position, I've been patiently waiting for a plant to open here in Montana (it's coming, soon!) but had too many turkeys to keep waiting. I found out I can do TWO birds a day. I just don't have the equipment to be efficient. ETA: UGH! I hate it when I respond to an OP that's many months old!
