Joining this forum . . .

[JessicaDotta]

Well, I've hatched a whole slew of Roosters. While I hoped they'd all be pullets, I knew it was an astronomical chance.

I am going to cull my first chickens this summer, so I just wanted to introduce myself and start reading the posts.

 

[iwltfum]

Welcome

 

[Mrs. K]

Do you can? Because nothing is handier than some canned chicken on the shelf. Does not take up freezer space, and is ready to go.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome, glad to have you. Don't hesitate to ask questions on any topic: how to butcher, how to preserve, how to cook, or anything else. We do all things all kinds of different ways. Your problem will not be a lack of information but that you have too many options.

 

[JessicaDotta]

Do you can? Because nothing is handier than some canned chicken on the shelf. Does not take up freezer space, and is ready to go.

I am a new homesteader . . . I have a pressure cooker, canning jars. . . and ready to learn. I also took the expensive plunge and purchased a plucker.

 

[JessicaDotta]

Welcome, glad to have you. Don't hesitate to ask questions on any topic: how to butcher, how to preserve, how to cook, or anything else. We do all things all kinds of different ways. Your problem will not be a lack of information but that you have too many options.

Thank you! It's glad to have a forum to come to. The looks I get from people when I say I am going to process my own birds . . . well, I'm sure you get the same looks. But we're the humane ones, in my opinion. Just wish I could go somewhere to learn hand's on first. Maybe I should start to thread to see if someone is also in TN.

 

[tripletfeb]

I am a new homesteader . . . I have a pressure cooker, canning jars. . . and ready to learn. I also took the expensive plunge and purchased a plucker.

Hi and welcome! I just wanted to jump in and say that a pressure cooker is not the same as a pressure canner. Now, your device could possibly do both but you have to make sure it says it can pressure can as well. You don't want to can wrong and get sick!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Well, I've hatched a whole slew of Roosters. While I hoped they'd all be pullets, I knew it was an astronomical chance.

I am going to cull my first chickens this summer, so I just wanted to introduce myself and start reading the posts.

WELCOME!!!!

We've all been there. Hygiene and Sanitation are key. Start small - the first birds always take longer than expected, don't plan on a big mass slaughter day. I still only do two on any particular day (admittedly, limited by freezer space).

There are some good resources out there, and of course lots of experience here.

I started here at this website, on the recommendation of posters I asked similar question of last summer. There is no "ONE Right Way" - I don't even do it as described in the link I just offered - but there are plenty of wrong ways. We'll help talk you thru it, so you can find a way that works for your needs.

 

[JessicaDotta]

Hi and welcome! I just wanted to jump in and say that a pressure cooker is not the same as a pressure canner. Now, your device could possibly do both but you have to make sure it says it can pressure can as well. You don't want to can wrong and get sick!

LOL - I actually have both! Can you tell I'm new to homesteading? Nonetheless, I've knee keep in vege gardens, honey bees, fruit trees and chickens.

 

[JessicaDotta]

WELCOME!!!!

We've all been there. Hygiene and Sanitation are key. Start small - the first birds always take longer than expected, don't plan on a big mass slaughter day. I still only do two on any particular day (admittedly, limited by freezer space).

There are some good resources out there, and of course lots of experience here.

I started here at this website, on the recommendation of posters I asked similar question of last summer. There is no "ONE Right Way" - I don't even do it as described in the link I just offered - but there are plenty of wrong ways. We'll help talk you thru it, so you can find a way that works for your needs

All good thoughts! I definitely have learned there is no one way. I free-range my birds, and love it, though I know others are more protective. As for going slow, out of my 8 hatched chicks, 7 are roosters. (7!!!) Plus, I am hatching Swedish Flower Hens and will likely cull any rooster I can't sell and don't keep for myself. So for my first time culling, I thought I'd make an entire day of it and fill my freezer.

A whole another learning curve is coming my way.