Need to process my first ever roos tomorrow. wish me luck!

[Liamm_1]

still hoping to work up the nerve for this. I've cleaned the sink with bleach in preparation, the 2 roos are in isolation. Do I have to hide the process from the other chickens?

 

[Liamm_1]

also, after skinning the bird, what do I do with the skin and feathers? trash, compost....? and the guts, what do I feed back to the rest of the chickens, and do I need to cook it first?

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
I just chuck out it out way for in the field

 

[Lesa]

I don't compost animal materials, so my skin with feathers, goes into the garbage- in an empty feed bag.

 

[imthedude]

depending on how you want to cook, you might leave the skin on, in which case you'll need to get the feathers off somehow (scalding, wax, etc.).

 

[Liamm_1]

ok, so I now have my first homegrown chicken in the fridge.
It was a complete disaster! The videos on youtube make it seem so easy.
I got him in the killing tube (small waste basket I bought last night) ok.
Held the head and tried cutting through the 2 arteries on the sides. The knife didn't go all the way through cleanly as they do in the videos, they must have good razor sharp knives!
So, the poor guy had 2 flesh wounds, and then was able to maneuver his feet down inside the basket, and proceeded to hop himself right on out and onto the ground.
I checked to see if any neighbors were home that could help me, but there were none. Just my 10 year old son, and he didn't really want to watch lol.
Anyways, spent about 1/2 hour trying to corner the roo in the yard to get him again, finally got him, and put him back into the basket, making sure to hold his feet this time. Unfortunately, while holding his feet with one hand, I couldn't do anything lol. Luckily, at that moment, my neighbor came home, and my son went to get him. He held the feet, while I tried to cut deeper this time, but still didn't go deep enough. By this time, I'm feeling bad for making this bird suffer, so I tried to think of what to do. tried another sharp knife, with the same result, UGH!
So, I resorted to getting out the pruning shears. They too weren't sharp enough to go all thw eay through, but I guess they broke his neck and cut him open just enough to finish bleeding out. Finally, soon the life was gone from him and I felt a relief, that his suffering was over.
I skinned him outside on the grass over newspaper, then brought him inside for the eviscerating. the entire process was maybe about 2 hours, and he's in the fridge now.
We were in the grocery store last night and I saw nice plump whole CX birds for $.79/pound. So a bird about 3 times the meat of what I got from him costs about $4. That's pretty discouraging. Granted, the one I processed was my smallest, but still.
I don't really think I want to do the second roo, I'll try to give him away first. Anyways, it's done, and less roo in my flock, but it wasn't a very satisfying experience. Of course, we still have to eat him yet, so...

 

[Lesa]

Oh dear! I am sorry things didn't go smoothly for you. Don't give up. If you are planning on having chickens, there are going to be times you will need to cull. The can that you had for a kill cone, obviously didn't work for you... I would recommend finding something that will not allow the bird to escape- no matter what. Home made ones can be fine- but perhaps for peace of mind, you should purchase an actual metal cone. No need to make yourself crazy to save a few dollars. Can you get your pruning shears sharpened? I have yet to successfully cut off the chickens head, completely. The cutters I use, are for trimming branches. They make a pretty good cut, but don't take off the head...
Don't feel too discouraged! Remember to leave that bird in the fridge for a few days, before cooking. I recommend using him for soup. You should be proud of yourself- you did something very difficult, for the first time.

 

[magoochie]

Yikes. I'm sorry you had such a rough time butchering your first time around.

I understand your frustration. Hopefully if you do try again, it will go smoother for you.

Also, if you go to walmart, you should be able to buy a cheap fillet knife. They usually come with a little sharpener, so that might help if you try again.

Good luck!

 

[geomann]

Wow, that sounded painful for even me while i sit and read this. The utube videos make it look easy because for the most part it is. When you go to slaughter the bird you must go with "intent". You cant try to slice through its neck to its artery with the mindset of not really wanting to do it. Its not an easy thing to do but, you must be mentally prepared and go up to the bird with the intent to slaughter it as fast as possible, so as to cause as little discomfort as possible. But also keep in mind what your doing so as to not slice your own hand off. It does get easier, just not enjoyable. Goodluck. PS: It does help to watch someone experienced first.

 

[Liamm_1]

I've read about some people that have their chickens processed for a dollar or so, lol.
I have yet to find a processor near where I live. I'd rather do that next time. I know it won't be a dollar, but...
The entire process for the meat definitely does not seem worth 'not' going to the grocery store and buying whole foster farms chickens for $.79/pound.
I'll try to find a better knife and an actual cone, maybe I can try it again.