Kiki's upcoming party

[HappyDuckie]

I processed one for the first time last night, and I gotta say, it was...an experience. I'd like some pointers, so that it goes a little better next time.

What do you need pointers on?

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I used the kill cone method, which is fine, but the knife I got, a so called "kill knife" from Strombergs, was not kill ready. I felt really bad that it took longer than necessary to get the job done. It worked fine for the rest of it though, except for removing the head.

Also, how do you keep them in the dang cone? My bird (after death) flopped out of the sucker TWICE, which was a bit startling for me and also vastly increased the amount of clean up I had to do. It went from well controlled to murder scene pretty damn fast.

Finally, best way to remove the head? As I said, my knife failed to do that, so I ended using bolt cutters. don't tell my husband

 

[HappyDuckie]

I used the kill cone method, which is fine, but the knife I got, a so called "kill knife" from Strombergs, was not kill ready. I felt really bad that it took longer than necessary to get the job done. It worked fine for the rest of it though, except for removing the head.

Also, how do you keep them in the dang cone? My bird (after death) flopped out of the sucker TWICE, which was a bit startling for me and also vastly increased the amount of clean up I had to do. It went from well controlled to murder scene pretty damn fast.

Finally, best way to remove the head? As I said, my knife failed to do that, so I ended using bolt cutters. don't tell my husband

Chop its head off. Hatchet and a stump. You pretty much can't go wrong, even if the blade is dull it will work. Just practice a few times hitting the stump without the chicken there, if you think you'll miss. I have never used a kill cone, but I don't think they should be able to flop out. How big was the bird?

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

Finally, best way to remove the head? As I said, my knife failed to do that, so I ended using bolt cutters. don't tell my husband

Your secret is safe with us.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

Chop its head off. Hatchet and a stump. You pretty much can't go wrong, even if the blade is dull it will work. Just practice a few times hitting the stump without the chicken there, if you think you'll miss. I have never used a kill cone, but I don't think they should be able to flop out. How big was the bird?

I can't do the chop method. I live in the city so slaughter outside is a no go. Not because it's illegal or anything, but city folk tend to freak out about that kind of thing. The last thing I want is my neighbors to try to get me coded for something...pain in the a.

I don't know the size categories for chickens, but he wasn't huge or anything. He came out to 2lbs 14oz after I cleaned him, and was approximately 5 months old. It's possible it was too small, maybe? I had some difficulty getting his head out of the bottom, but that could also be cause he was onto me at that point.

 

[R2elk]

Any of y'all have any experience processing chickens?

I have been processing poultry ever since I was a little kid.

 

[R2elk]

I processed one for the first time last night, and I gotta say, it was...an experience. I'd like some pointers, so that it goes a little better next time.

I believe there are tutorials in the Meat Birds, ETC forum.

 

[Painted Calls]

I am different from everyone here I think. I use a .22.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I have been processing poultry ever since I was a little kid.

I figured, but I try not to assume things. Unless it would be funny to do so, anyway.

 

[HappyDuckie]

I can't do the chop method. I live in the city so slaughter outside is a no go. Not because it's illegal or anything, but city folk tend to freak out about that kind of thing. The last thing I want is my neighbors to try to get me coded for something...pain in the a.

I don't know the size categories for chickens, but he wasn't huge or anything. He came out to 2lbs 14oz after I cleaned him, and was approximately 5 months old. It's possible it was too small, maybe? I had some difficulty getting his head out of the bottom, but that could also be cause he was onto me at that point.

Not sure how it got out then, did you hold its feet?