Info on butchering ...

[Godiva]

We have some rather obnoxious roos that are being mean and are also lovely and juicy looking. I have a book that describes how to kill and butcher chickens but I have no idea what I am doing and could really do with some diagrams of how to actually cut it up and remove all the innards etc. Does anyone know of some pictorial stuff so I can see what I am looking for and all that?

Also, what kind of knife etc do you all use? I was looking at some prices of all the fancy processing stuff and it was pretty pricey... What works for you?

 

[4H kids and mom]

If you can obtain a copy of Storey's Guide to Raising Poultry, there is an entire section full of how-to diagrams on butchering day and how to properly dress a chicken. If you dont want to wait to order or buy a copy, check your local library. Thats where I found mine!

Also, if you want to enjoy the meat and just avoid all the mess, you could do what we do and find a local processing place that will do the "dirty work" for you. Usually costs less than buying all the proper equiptment you'd need anyway. It cost me $2.80 per bird to have them culled, plucked, cleaned, dressed, USDA inspected, packed and frozen. Thats money well spent if you ask me!

 

[Slim]

Try this:
Homestead Poultry Butchering

 

[AK-Bird-brain]

also... the first few you do will not look all nice and pretty like some of the store bought. just be sure to get out all of the giblets. nothing puts the family off fast than finding a surprise inside. chickens diner shouldnt be cracker jacks.

 

[justusnak]

Quote:

 

[Godiva]

We are too far away from a processing facility and also want to learn how to do it ourselves. Thanks for the tips folks. I am not sure where to find the knives etc for processing. Does anyone have some suggestions for where to get reasonably priced good quality stuff? Thanks again!

 

[silkiechicken]

I just use one plain old boning knife for the head and the body. Nothing fancy, just make sure it is sharp.

 

[alaskanhenhouse]

i use an old fashioned style butcher knife, square kind. nothin fancy, just sharp. works for all the details unless you do the brain stick method.

 

[Godiva]

Thank you so much everyone! Slim, I checked out that website and the info was very helpful! You guys are all great. THis weekend is THE day for our first two roos and I am feeling a little more confident now. I am so glad that my DH is going to do the actual deed. I know I could do it if I had to - but since I don't ....

 

[DuckLady]

Lots of good info here, too!

http://p072.ezboard.com/fbackyardchickensfrm18