My processing experience today.

[1acrefarm]

I processed one of my older EE hens today. I was in no way attached to this hen it was totally utilitarian. It did not even have a name. That being said I was almost overcome with remorse before I lowered the hatchet. I have slaughtered hundreds of animals but I felt sorry for this hen just as I did my duck last thanksgiving. It was not bad enough to stop me but it seemed worse than I have ever experienced. Does it get worse as you get older? I love meat and will not become a vegetarian so I would rather raise my meat and dispatch it myself so I know its done humanely.

This was a big heavy hen or so it seemed. The finished hen easily fit in a gallon ziplock bag with plenty of room for the saltwater. I was sort of disappointed. The small amount of meat this hen had did not seem worth the effort to me. I think from now on I will sell my surplus hens and only dispatch them incase of injury. Hopefully I will get a little more meat from roos.

 

[silkiechicken]

Hope you plan on making soup with her. She'll be one tough hen. The remorse is probably worse because even though she wasn't named, you did have her for a long time, vs meat birds, you've had for only 8 weeks or so.

 

[wynedot55]

its ok to feel bad about butchering a hen.but your doing the best for you an your family by having homegrown meat.

 

[greyfields]

It's always difficult for everyone who does this....


.... but.... we really ought to feel bad about meat we buy at the grocery store. Every time we buy a chicken there, we condone the factory farming system and mistreatment of chickens. And don't even get me started on beef, pork, lamb....


So, keep your chin up. You did the right thing and you are on the moral high ground.

 

[BettyR]

My grandmother always said that an old hen made the best gumbo.

That’s where all of her old hens went when they didn’t lay well anymore.

 

[jackiedon]

We butchered some roos a while back and it was bad because they kept attacking my daughter and I plus DH did the whacking.

I want to get some meat birds and my daughter says no because they won't be mean in 8 weeks.

My DH kept putting off butchering those roos until he was outside when my daughter got attacked.

jackie

 

[red-hen]

While I can't do it myself - maybe it would help you to think about the way the native american's honored the animal that they hunted or harvested? I've read that they thank the animal and acknowledge its importance - and even its bravery etc. Although I can't do the deed myself, thinking about it the same way the native american's did when I will have to send some in to be processed will help me find peace with the situation. I don't want to get all spiritual on you - that isn't my point so I hope I didn't offend anyone - but it is something I hope might help you resolve your feelings.