How do you get past it?

[quiltnchik]

I've been seriously bitten by the "Coturnix bug" and really, really want to get some hatching eggs soon (will have to be after the 21st, when my new chickens are due to hatch). I want to be more self-sufficient and really feel we've made progress this year, what with our gardens, composting, vermiculture bin and chickens. However, I do have one small problem with the whole quail thing: how do you bring yourself to kill and eat something you've raised from babyhood? I know, I know - maybe I'm being too much of a "girl," but I absolutely adore animals and just don't know if I can do it... Heck, I can't even read the post about processing them, because it contains graphic pics!

Did any of you have that problem at first? How did you get past it?

 

[saddina]

Quail aren't snuggily friendly like a kitten is. Don't name them, don't pet them, and don't get attached.

I consider it a dissection, that allows me to detatch during proceedures. I'm far more grossed out by factory farming than I am by butchering my own meat. Start looking at butchering threads, and spend some time in the meat birds forum desensitizing to it now.

 

[quiltnchik]

Thanks Saddina. I've been an animal lover my entire life, but do remember eating everything from squirrels to rabbits to ducks to geese to....well, you get the idea...when I was growing up, and I remember it all being extremely GOOD! I'm sure I'll be fine once it comes down to it. I told DH I was NOT going to get attached. I will feed, water and care for the quail properly, but I definitely won't be spending a lot of time with them. I have to keep in mind that they are freezer fodder

 

[saddina]

N/p

I grew up in the middle of downtown SF, but my grandparents bred horses and my mum was raised on a chicken farm in NE (she decided she never wanted anything to do with animals and became an accountant to get off the farm). I've spent the last few years helping during processing of granny's meat flock, and have a few egg hens out back. Since the city doesn't restrict Quail and does most kinds of "crowing fowl", meaties weren't allowed, so quail dinners it is. Compaired to shoveling stables in Aug, I'll happily butcher and brine.

 

[simplyscrambled]

I'm right there with you, new2chooks! I'm just started reading 'Omnivore's Dilemma' as part of my re-education. And I keep thinking if the world falls apart, it's something I need to know how to do. My bf, who hunted and is a former Marine and served in Desert Storm simply said, 'I don't think I can eat something I raised' Ack! No help there...

It's the action of ending a life that's my hurdle. And the quail are SOOO cute!

I think if it were a rooster that decided to come at me, I'd be so mad, I'd grab the darn thing and wring it's neck, because I have a temper!

But those cute little round quail? Sigh. I may just be eating the eggs for a few years before I get myself to do the deed.

And yes, I'm lurking in the Meat forum now, too.

 

[Becky_H]

Quote:
I love animals. I rescue dogs (have *ten*) and cats (8 + 4), work with organized rescues, adore my animals the whole 9 yards. The secret for me (and I've only 'done in' 2 birds, and one of those was a month old chick) is to be aware that these are livestock, not pets. They are here for a purpose. Now, that's not to say none of my birds aren't pets -- I'd be *heartbroken* and certainly incapable of eating, much less killing, the 2 birds I decided from go are pets, but the rest? I labeled them livestock in my little brain, treat them as such (food, water, room, humane treatment and care, but not 'lovings') and it keeps me okay.

 

[quiltnchik]

My DH - ex Navy SEAL - said he'd do the "deed" for me. It's just making myself eat them after it's done... Ah well, I know we'll get through this together. Others have done it, so I'm sure we can, too

 

[quiltnchik]

Quote:
You sound like me! We have 6 rescued dogs and 9 rescued cats. I used to be the office manager of the local spay/neuter clinic and am also involved with rescue transports along the I-95 corridor from time to time. I knew there was something else I liked about you, besides the fact that you live where I want to move back to!

 

[Becky_H]

Bwahah. yeah, that'd be it. I volunteer with a group, and usually have foster cats or dogs around and occasionally do transports -- not so much lately. I drown in critters sometimes, but life's good and I love them. (And I am SO loving having met you here.)