how to butcher well?

[trifecta]

Any suggestions on sources for a good knife? My first butchering attempt I sharpened my kitchen utility knife and it really couldn't even scratch the skin. I ended up switching to a scalpel blade but found it unwieldy, and did nick myself on the last bird. I have a beautiful, sharpsharpsharp Santoku but its HUGE and I'm afraid it will be difficult to work with.

I agree that cutting the throat is the way to go. There is actually some consensus out there that decapitation should no longer be considered a humane method of euthanasia due to the large nerve impulse that is generated when cutting the spinal cord, resulting in significant pain to the animal. Quite a bit of research as been done in cattle concerning kosher slaughter as these animals are not stunned- and current recommendations are to slit their throats with a VERY sharp knife. Now I realize that cattle and chickens are not the same, but just some food for thought. Again, not trying to be judgemental of those that decapitate- its just one of the reasons that chose not to do it.

Being very new to this whole process myself, I think you will find it suprisingly easy and incredibly empowering once you get done. I only did 4 birds the first time, and it took me about 4 hours to go from live birds to cut up vacuumed packed and resting in the fridge, including all the clean-up time; by the last bird, I was pretty much down to 15 minutes/bird. I can look back and say it was one of the most rewarding things that I have done for myself and my family and I really felt good when I grilled that first bird... it was delicious.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

You don't have to spend much money, but you may need to try a few different things until you find the knife that feels best for you. I use a fish fillet knife I bought inexpensively at WalMart in their fishing supply section. But anything that feels comfortable in your hand, will have & keep a sharp edge, and won't get lost in the grass will work.

Another essential is to know just where to cut, if you're sawing through feathers it will be difficult for both you & the bird. Pull the head a little to stretch the neck, and bend it a bit to expose the bare space just behind the point of the jaw. Hold the knife at an angle perpendicular to the neck, between any feathers, right against the skin.

Position the knife, make sure your fingers are out of the way, and make your cut deep & decisive, this is no time to hesitate. I place the middle of the knife in position and cut away from myself.

Trifecta, I agree, it is empowering and satisfying to know you're capable of doing a good job for both your livestock and your family.

 

[cassie]

I use a box cutter. It uses single edge razor blades, and I change the blades frequently.

 

[Beekissed]

I use a box cutter. It uses single edge razor blades, and I change the blades frequently.

I'm going to experiment with this approach this year...seems less bulky than trying to cut a small place with a long object. How long/how many chickens do the blades normally last before you have to change them out?

 

[Sunny Side Up]

You may find that you prefer these kinds of blades, they are sharp and come in different sizes, up to 4" or so. I've tried them but have gone back to my fillet knife because I like having a full-sized handle to grab with my whole hand, like having a long blade to place half-way in place on the birds' necks and push forward & in. With the blades I was grasping with my fingertips and didn't have as strong of a grip. You also want to be careful to not lose them in the grass.

 

[tunedin5ths]

I use orange traffic cones for dispatching my birds. They are readily available at home center stores, come in various sizes, and can be trimmed to size with a utility knife and screwed to a post or tree.

 

[Beekissed]

You may find that you prefer these kinds of blades, they are sharp and come in different sizes, up to 4" or so. I've tried them but have gone back to my fillet knife because I like having a full-sized handle to grab with my whole hand, like having a long blade to place half-way in place on the birds' necks and push forward & in. With the blades I was grasping with my fingertips and didn't have as strong of a grip. You also want to be careful to not lose them in the grass.

I was supposing you used them in a handle/dispenser instead of just the blades themselves. This is what I had in mind...is this what you use?

 

[Sunny Side Up]

That is one kind of handle you could use, and it would fit your hand and not just fingertips. Here's another thing some folks use to hold a single-edged razor blade http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-28-10...ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1334882768&sr=1-5 I've also used these kinds of blades http://www.amazon.com/Zinsser-98015...ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1334883253&sr=1-3 which are longer and sharp. All these things aren't too pricey if you want to experiment and see if you like them better than what you've been using. I have for myself, and learned that I prefer my fillet knife, but you may like these blades better.

 

[bj taylor]

this information has helped me determine i'm going to use the cone & slit the throat. i think i will pass on the box cutter. it looks too short. i will probably go for something similar to the fillet knife. not long ago one of my chicks barely survived an attack by my dog. i thought i was going to have to put her down. i gave myself a pass by saying "if she's not better in the morning i will." luckily she was better & is fine today.
it's amazing to me how i can gleen knowledge from y'all so i will be able to do this thing the best way possible for never having done or seen it done before.
thank you

 

[BackyardCoop]

You can make your own killing cones from 2 gal. bleach jugs...they do the job well and don't cost anything near what the metal ones cost. I've used them and they've never broken down on me and they hold the CX and large roos.

This was good to know for us as well! We were looking for some cones, this will be much cheaper =) Thanks!