Just killed my first 2 chickens Ever...(graphic)

[silkiechicken]

Do a search in the meat bird section on butchering and you will find lots of ideas and how to's and experiences.

 

[ksacres]

Can't you just skin them instead of plucking them? I've never done it, just curious.

 

[arlee453]

yes, many people do just skin rather than pluck. it's a lot quicker.

 

[avroncotton]

The method that I use is this: I have some thinish rope that i tie in a simple noose. This I put over the feet just after catching. I have a chopping block with two nails about an inch apart. I put the neck inbetween the nails and just below the head. They don't fight. Then, holding the legs give one good blow with the hatchet and the head is left on the block and you hang the body on the fence by the rope until it stops flapping. I believe death is instantanious and no suffering occurs like this.

Good luck all

 

[andy]

g

 

[Mia]

Well, here's the thing - I just don't know if I could lay a chicken down and hack his head off. I mean, I sliced their necks and THEN after I made sure they were dead I hacked their heads off - but I'm not sure I could do it to a live bird. I really don't want to be looking into the poor guy's eyes while I do it.
I am amazed that I killed these 2 at all, and even more amazed that I don't think I want to do it again.
To answer questions: I skinned them, and then took all the meat off I could.
But it'll be a while before I can eat them, I think.

 

[andy]

hi mia.. i did the duty yesterday to my rooster..i was the same as you,,i really supprised my self that i could do it,,ive never killed anything in my life,, it was harder because i raised that bird from an egg,,and put a lot of effort into looking after him,,i supose i raised him like a pet,i feel a little disapointed that he has gone,, i dont think its something i would like to do again,,but ive done it now ,,i promised my self i would,,i ve got no regrets,, my brother has preperd it for me,,its now in his fridge,, were doing a dinner tommorow....

 

[luvzmybabz]

I was also worried about neighbors etc until Wednesday when my hubbie and I were on our way home gut about 4 houses down was butchering his deer in his front yard.... so I am good

 

[jdypat]

I had a spraddled leg chicken who, despite all my dedicated efforts matured into a chicken sitting on its side and unable to do much of anything for itself.
after months or was it weeks, i finally knew what i had to do. i was more than amazed at myself for taking a sharp knife and cutting her head off. I felt really strange afterward.
Eating it? no.. no way. never id hve to be so very hungry. 3 bucks at the grocery store. .... nope... nope

 

[lyndatu]

Selling or giving them to others might be a good alternative....