How long w/o feed before I process them?

[awesomefowl]

I'm planning on processing my 12 Cornish X this coming Wednesday. When should I stop feeding them to clear out their systems? I can't remember if its 24 hours or what. I imagine they'll still be eating grass, but at least it will be less messy when I process them.

Thanks,
Awesomefowl

 

[Buster52]

I go 12, some go24. Others prefer a full crop so feed right to the end.

Make sure they have plenty of water whatever you decide.

 

[awesomefowl]

Okay. Thanks!

 

[Saltysteele]

we have never withdrawn feed. you're going to get messy, regardless, very little of the mess comes from the feed they're eating

 

[Salt and Light]

The reason for withholding feed is so the crop is more easily removed with less chance of ripping. IF you are not gutting your chickens (I don't), then there is no worry about the crop ripping.

IF you are gutting, then 12 hours is plenty of time for the crop to empty.

 

[sonew123]

12 hours for me. I just don't put the food out in the morning-easy peasy!

 

[geeky_farmer]

What do you mean you don't gut? How can you not? Do you just take the meat peices (legs, thighs, breasts?) I never thought about doing that!

 

[geeky_farmer]

What do you mean you don't gut? How can you not? Do you just take the meat peices (legs, thighs, breasts?) I never thought about doing that!