I survived coaching freezer camp today!! Woo Hoo!!

[Elphaba2140]

Just had to share. I processed my first 3 roos this morning. It went better than I thought. They were little tiny Bantams so there isn't much too them. It is a good thing I have very small hands. Thanks to everyone who has posted how-to posts and links. They were most helpful and made the whole process easier.

**Notes to self for next year**
Do Not buy the Bantam mix. LOL. Roos are sure pretty but I had a BBR that started crowing at 7 weeks. Um not going to work in the city!! He has crowed his last crow.

Make sure knife is sharp. I did sharpen mine on a stone prior but not well enough it seems. Will look for a thinner blade before doing the next few.

Helpful hints to anyone doing a small batch of little Bantie's like I did. I save a plastic Vinegar bottle and cut a small amount off of the cap area for their heads. Then I made a slice in the top of the handle so it would slide down onto the edge of a 5 gallon bucket. Put shavings into it to catch the blood. I couldn't find a bungie tie so I use painters tape for their feet. Taped them together and then to the vinegar bottle out of the top. I think this worked like a charm. Hope it helps someone else.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Congratulations!

I know that's a good feeling to conquer it the first time.

 

[halo]

Good for you! What do you plan on doing with them?

 

[Elphaba2140]

I have since done three more. I plucked the first three and froze them whole. They weren't too bad to de-feather. The second batch was awful. They were just full of tiny baby feathers and pin feathers and I decided to skin them after I realized I would never get what was left of the feathers off of them. Two of them were a couple of young Cochins. Couldn't get the feet feathers off either so I tossed those feet. We save them in the freezer for the dogs as a Summer treat. I didn't want them eating feathers.
Today I put two of the skinned ones on to simmer with onions, carrots and celery to make broth and meat for Chicken and Dumplings.