These are two of my four turkeys I got back in April. They did not grow well and had terrible leg deformities. I knew I had to do them in at some point but wanted them to get as large as possible. The other two birds are not as bad as these were. They can walk at least. Well, today I could take it no longer. Looking at the poor fellows, unable to walk at all, I decided to do them in. It was a cool morning and little to no flies were out. So, I got the ax cleaned, got a bucket and bailing twine and headed out to get the birds. I did not make a "clean head off" cut the first time on either bird, but I was doing this alone and I think I had my eyes closed. I did make very fatal blows on them though. I had to wait for the flapping to stop before I removed the head entirely. I cut off the tails on them and pulled out the innards. I had a queezy stomach and so did them as fast as I could. I skinned them and I think that worked out fine for me. I would do it again that way for sure. They are now sitting in salt water and I will cook them up later. They are about 6 pounds each. I guess it was better then trying to do a 40 pounder by my self. It took me about an hour to do both of them by my self. What a relief! I CAN butcher my own birds after all.
Looks good already. To bad you rnot closer, I'd have you show me how to do my birds. And for your ? I'd have to say you are officially a "turkey,header,cutter, offer Farmer"
Congratulations! Those birds look huge. Let us know how they taste Did you skin them or pluck? From the picture they look skinned. Also, were these heritage breeds or broad breasted? I haven't butchered any of my turkeys yet. I'm looking forward to trying them this Thanksgiving.
These were just feed store turkeys, so it is no wonder they had problems. I skinned them. It was not a bad way to go at all. These two had a lot of dry food in them and a lot of poop too. I got it all out without breaking anything, but man o man, I need to look up what to feed, or NOT feed the days before butchering. Thanks for the compliments. I truly feel like I accomplished something today.
that is awesome...accomplishment drives us to achieve more! and again, how do i get to your house for dinner? i think you just isolate them away from food; offer water only the night before. gullet goo..ack.
Wow, looks like you did a fine job there! The meat looks very lean. Is this your 4th of July dinner? Wish I could have a taste! Looks great! X