- Sep 19, 2012
- 187
- 6
- 91
So this was our 4th time doing a large batch of meat birds for profit. I know it can be hard for newbies to decide what products to use. I had to do a lot of research to figure out what would work for our family and I finally have it down to a science. And no, I don't work for any of these companies. They are just products I believe in. Here is what works for me-
Chicks
Knives
Plucking
Shrink Wrap Bags
I hope this gives someone a little bit of help in selecting their butchering day needs. I wish I would have had a guide similar to this when I was starting out because it really is a long process of trial and error to find the right fit. Feel free to ask questions as there are probably things I left out!
Chicks
- I am a HUGE fan of Schlecht Hatchery. I have had great luck with these birds and they grow evenly and fast. Not to mention great customer service, great price, and I am supporting a small business.
Knives
- For slitting the throats, we use the Buck Knife 110. Stays sharp longer, slices the arteries efficiently, and is easy to sharpen myself after quite a few uses.
- For gutting, we use a medical grade scalpel. Since the blade is so short, the risk of cutting internal organs is greatly reduced. I also like that you can interchange the blades easily.
- For cutting birds in half, we use the CUTCO chefs knife. Cuts through bones easily and I love the fact that I can send it in and have it professionally sharpened and all I have to pay for is shipping. A very heavy duty knife with an easy grip.
- For piecing the birds out and deboning, we use the filet knife from the Outdoor Edge Game Processor butchering kit. I originally bought this for cutting up deer (which it also works great for) and needed a knife with a thin blade to make nice clean cuts. This thing is SHARP and makes piecing the birds out so easy. Since the blade is so thin it also leaves more meat on the bone when I remove the ribs from the breasts.
Plucking
- We saved up as much as we could and bought a 131 EZ Plucker while it was on sale. It was the BEST purchase we have ever made. It cuts plucking time by 75% and even gets the pin feathers off. If you are going to make a big purchase of any sort this is the one!
Shrink Wrap Bags
- We purchased bags from Nadya's Poultry. We usually use Food Saver bags but these are so much cheaper, quicker, and offer the same amount of protection in the freezer. She has excellent customer service and they ship out quickly. I will never use any other bag!
I hope this gives someone a little bit of help in selecting their butchering day needs. I wish I would have had a guide similar to this when I was starting out because it really is a long process of trial and error to find the right fit. Feel free to ask questions as there are probably things I left out!
