How to heat up the pot for plucking..?

[Yukonchick]

I seen one of those at the store the other day. Those look like they'd work awesome.

 

[wsmoak]

Since I knew I'd be working alone and didn't want to have to fuss with the propane burner, I bought a bucket heater:

http://www.amazon.com/MARSHALLTOWN-Premier-742G-Bucket-Heater/dp/B000BDB4UG

It actually works a little *too* well and will get the water hotter than I want it -- in my perfect world it would be attached to a thermostat that would turn it off at 152F. Sadly, the Herpstat only puts out 500W or I'd just plug the heater into that! But I'm researching some parts that will handle the temperature regulation -- it turns out that sous vide (hot water bath cooking) enthusiasts have the same needs we do.

I use a big stock pot and keep another bucket of water next to it. When the water is 155F or so I put the heater in the other bucket. When the scalding water cools off (after every 2-3 birds) I put the heater back in the pot.

Like other posters, I start with hot tap water, then it doesn't take very long to heat up to 150F.

-Wendy

 

[what did I do]

Since I knew I'd be working alone and didn't want to have to fuss with the propane burner, I bought a bucket heater: http://www.amazon.com/MARSHALLTOWN-Premier-742G-Bucket-Heater/dp/B000BDB4UG

It actually works a little *too* well and will get the water hotter than I want it -- in my perfect world it would be attached to a thermostat that would turn it off at 152F. Sadly, the Herpstat only puts out 500W or I'd just plug the heater into that! But I'm researching some parts that will handle the temperature regulation -- it turns out that sous vide (hot water bath cooking) enthusiasts have the same needs we do. I use a big stock pot and keep another bucket of water next to it. When the water is 155F or so I put the heater in the other bucket. When the scalding water cools off (after every 2-3 birds) I put the heater back in the pot. Like other posters, I start with hot tap water, then it doesn't take very long to heat up to 150F. -Wendy

Love the bucket heater idea

 

[bj taylor]

the bucket heater is a really smart idea. i have been talking to my husband about raising meat birds. he wants to take them to be processed. i want to do it myself because i want the cost down, i want the most humane end possible for my birds, and i want to know how to provide for my family in the event the grocery shelves are empty one day.
i think i will be doing it by myself as well.

 

[reereechickens]

That is EXACTLY what I need! I love the bucket heater idea! It's in a Amazon wish list!

 

[redstarmama]

We use a cast iron camp stove hooked up to propane and a big pot we found cheap at a barn sale. We keep more water on reserve in the kitchen to refresh the scalding pot. We keep track of the temps with a candy thermometer.

 

[Yukonchick]

Yup, the ones i looked at today at Canadian Tire are propane. think i'll get one of those.

 

[Yukonchick]

Very smart thinking. Thats why we're becoming more self sufficient too. The future of the planet look grim. Not only that but the meat and vegetables are really aweful too. Things the big companies do to our food these days to make a bigger buck, not caring about the quality or peoples health. I've been reading alot about modern food companies these days and its scary.

 

[redstarmama]

We had a cost of 98 cents a pound and an average weight of 5.75 pounds per bird. And you can't beat the quality of the meat. It took us a little time to find our groove in processing but it was worth it to keep the cost down. We really learned because our local processor refused to butcher our chicks in case he had to dra deer. So he lost our year round business on the off chance he could make more in one pop. It's so satisfying "to know we do it ourselves. I agree that the quality of most companies are not there and you never know what might be done to your food or where it came from. We can freeze and dehydrate much of our fruits and vegetables and will put in a root cellar in the near future.

 

[Yukonchick]

I worked for Lilydale turkey processing plant in Edmonton for 8 months so I can do a bird pretty quick. We also processed used up laying hens once a weed at mock speed, lol! Was the worse job i ever had in my life. My hands were so sore all the time. I discovered muscles in my hands i never knew i had, LOL!