I dont think I can EVER do that again! My first process

[FLOWERPOT]

Well, I had one roo that was so mean, I decided he had to go! and what a better chance than to see how well I handle processing them than that! I hated that roo, he picked on all the hens and intimidated the other roos terribly. My beautiful Sultan roo hid in the corner from him all day. I thought my bad feelings for him would make it easier!
I caught him after a little chase, and tied him by his feet from a tree. I thought that cutting the neck would be better than the chop the head off thing since they arent supposed to flop around so much that way. It would have been ok, but my knife wasnt sharp enough and I had to go get a better one, I was using my expensive cutco knives that are supposed to cut anything! I went back for the serrated one, and I still had to do a saw type action to get it to cut thru to the vein. That was the worst part!!! I felt so bad for him, he had to know what was happening!! I wanted this to be a humane thing when they had to go but I just dont know....
I didnt have any problems at all after he was dead as far as processing and cleaning went. But the getting them to that point was horrible.
There has to be a better way!!
Please tell me its ok. I still feel bad about it, even if he was a bully and I didnt like him.

 

[DrakeMaiden]

I'm not 100% sure, but I'd like to think that at that point shock would have set in for him.

Sorry it didn't go quickly.

 

[seriousbill]

I'm sorry your first experience was so difficult. Try not to beat yourself up too badly. It sounds like you did the best you could.

Just a suggestion: We always use the old-fashioned chopping-block and hatchet method, and we've never had a problem like that, because it is so fast. Here's hoping your next experience will be better.

 

[newnanchic]

My Hubby has been wanting to cull out some of our roos too.. When it is doen I will be gone shopping !!! Can't and won't handle that !!!LOL

 

[FLOWERPOT]

I will have to go get a hatchet for the next attempt... If I get the courage up for there to be a next attempt. Thank you for the suggestion.
I want to be able to process my own,
I just don't want it to be painful, or too scary for them.
Quick and painless for both the chickens and me!

 

[Wolf-Kim]

I use the hatchet method. Just a little harder to botch. Yeah, they flop around, but they are dead. We chopped our first mean roo and then immediately put the body into a 5 gallon bucket and covered it. It makes it easier when you can't watch the death throes.

It's okay, our first times very rarely go "ideal". You can do it again. Just don't put too much thought into it. By thinking too much on what's already happened, you'll make yourself nervous or sick the next time.

-Kim

 

[bheila]

We always use the hatchet. It's over so fast. There is still a lot of flopping but no pain because they're brain is no longer attached. Think about how you would like to be butchered if you had a choice.

 

[dacjohns]

It isn't always easy, especially the first time. It's OK. You did good by learning from your experience.

The hatchet and chopping block is pretty quick and usually easy but it does have its drawbacks.

It sounds like you might have been trying to cut through the feathers with the knife. That may have been the problem.

I processed 15 meat birds and 2 ducks over the last few weeks. I only used the hatchet on one and changed my mind real quick about the hatchet method.

Try this out if there is a next time.
First make sure your knives are sharp. Serrated aren't so great, they aren't really for slicing.
Hang the bird by the feet. Hold the head in one hand and the knife in the other. Place the knife down through the feathers and just behind the ear lobe and the jaw. Twist the head slightly and cut downwards severing the jugular. That way the knife is not going through a bunch of feathers.

 

[Beekissed]

Everyone's first time is horrible. If it wasn't you wouldn't be human! My teenage boys, who have many deer kills to their names, had a bad time with the first poultry kill. We used the ax and block with that one. The next kill were younger birds and I wanted to wring their necks so it wouldn't be so messy. The boys definitely DID NOT want to do this, but I insisted. I know that sounds heartless, but I learned at a young age (much younger than theirs) that one can still be soft hearted and distance oneself from the job at hand. I think everyone who eats meat should know what it is like to actually kill it and clean it. Gives one a new respect for the living and dying of all things and how we all fit into the picture. It gets easier each time to be more decisive with the cut, the blow, the jerk to provide a quick exit for the animal. Don't give up!

 

[FLOWERPOT]

Now that you mention it. You are exactly right! I didnt realize it but yes I did try to cut thru the feathers and all. Huh
I didnt even think about moving the feathers, but I remember the feathers being cut and flying with the knife