How many birds should a newbie process on the first try? Just one?

[2buckskins]

So I have a rooster that I'm going to process- my first time- but I also have some ducks I would like to do, too. If it's my first time ever processing anything, should I only do 1 bird so that I can see how it goes? Or since I'm getting every thing out and set up anyway, do you think I could do my rooster and also a couple of ducks? Thanks!

 

[ARose4Heaven]

The more you do, the less sensitive you get to the "dirty deed". I recommend doing more than 1 at a time. You have everything set up, it just makes sense to make use of it.

 

[NancyP]

I agree, set up is time consuming so make it worth your effort. Even as a newbie I had one done in less than half an hour. recommend raising your scalding temp by about 5 degrees for ducks and adding extra soap to the water.
good luck

 

[2buckskins]

Thank you!!

 

[Dogfish]

I did 5 my first time.

 

[DianeS]

I agree with "more than one". That way, if you have a bad experience with one, you have at least one more to do the same day to even out the experience. I'm SO glad I had two the first time I did it! As far as time goes, I could have handled I think 3 or 4, but not more than that. My fingers started to cramp from the plucking.

 

[2buckskins]

I'm making my husband do the plucking!

I'm on killing and eviscerating, he's everything else!

I think I'll do one rooster, and maybe 2-3 ducks.

 

[journey11]

We did 8 our first time (bought 15 Cornish X and did the males first). There's so much equipment to drag out and you get so messy, I like to just make a good go of it. Takes a while to figure out what you're doing too. You'll get better and faster with each bird.

It took us half the day, btw.

 

[ChickyLaura]

We did 4 our first time. I was mentally exhausted after the first one, and we took about a half hour breakfast break. Then we did the other 3.

The first one normally takes a *long* time, just be patient with yourself, and don't give up!

It's quite a learning experience.

 

[alcap]

Best of luck. Let us know how it goes