I did it!

[dace316]

My friends will think I'm a sicky for being proud of myself, so I'll post here for some support.

I processed my first meat bird this morning. She was small, but couldn't walk. I did it all by myself, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. I'm very proud of myself. I've never hunted, killed anything, won't even help clean fish.

Thank you for all of the posts regarding processing.......it helped so much. I think I will definitely be ready in 3 weeks to do the rest of my meaties.

THANK YOU!

 

[gg706]

CONGRATS! I am also preparing myself to dispatch my roos within the year. They are only about 7 weeks old so I have time. Kinda weird but I am dreading it, and looking forward to it in a way???? It is a weird feeling! I want to go ahead and get it over with, and get my first time done. How did you mentally prepare yourself for it? How did you process? Was the death part of it traumatic for the chicken or you? How did you feel after you were finished?

 

[AlienChick]

I, too, was surprised at how "easy" it is to process your own chicken.

Enjoy! ​

 

[locke2121]

Your friends reaction isn't so unusual. Except for those blessed few who were raised on farms or in families that raised their own livestock, most people have never seen or even thought of where the meat on their table come from. Its very easy to just think that hamburger is something that comes out neat and prepackaged than to think it was a living, breathing animal that had to die for us to use.

I've seen to alot of livestock in my time, since I was kid starting with chickens...and I'll tell you, that feeling never goes away. Taking a life, be it human or chicken, is still a serious thing that demands a lot of respect. Be respectful to the animal, make the death quick and as painless as possible. I knew one ol' boy that didn't use a hatchet..my method, but a mallet! One quick smack and the brain was gone. He couldn't stand the thought of the head rolling around...still alive, even for a second.

 

[dace316]

I knew I would do it this morning, so I was tossing and turning by 4am about it. I had to wait until the kids left for school. I picked her up and carried her gently to the garage and my cone set up (a cut up milk jug nailed into my workbench with a bucket underneath). I talked to her, told her I was sorry and it would be over soon and thank you. I felt weird. She seemed very relaxed and then I cut and that was it. I wasn't ready for the last bit of flapping--I see that is nerves. I was afraid for a second that I did something wrong, but I didn't. Once that part was over, then the scientific part of me took over and I was interested in how long to scald before the feathers were easy to remove, I looked at the crop after removing it, I inspected the organs.....that part was kind of neat.

Definitely not something I would "enjoy" doing, but I think the satisfaction of a full freezer will be worth it. I feel very accomplished today. (in a bizarre, way)

Thank you for the support--these bulletin boards are so great when there aren't many around who understand.

 

[daniel-delarosa]

I just processed my first meaties last week for a trial run. I felt bad for killing them at first. But after the three day rest in the fridge, I grilled those puppies up and now I cant wait to do the rest next week! I cant believe how much better fresh chicken tastes over the store bought. I did the skinning method with the first ones since I grill without skin on anyways. It was SUPER easy and fast.

 

[locke2121]

Quote: Of course you do! You've taken a big step towards self-sufficiency! You don't need others to get your meat...you can do it yourself.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Congrats to you on a job well done.

 

[DanIndiana]

It does make you feel like you're a more capable person.

 

[CorinneP]

Good For you !!


My Son and I have a Deal .. He is the hunter I am the gatherer and cook . I do the nursing babying egg collecting help with feeding and cleaning .. But That part HE has agreed is his job .. And I do try to stay detached from possible dinner chickens I don't play with them or name them .. Just Feed them well and make them comfortable and cozy until He decides they are ready ; ) I am a wimp .. But I am trying to get us to a point where we are as self sufficient as possible. This year is Fruit trees and grapes being added ..Hoping for a Great garden if it warms up ! And some day adding Pigs. Luckily for me WE also Have many chickens now for Egg Production and my pleasure only .. Those I get attached to and they get names ..