New to processing - neck question

[Overoberyl]

I recently started processing my extra cockerels...I've done about 6 birds over the past week (I don't have help so I just do one or two when I have time). Had one for dinner last night for the first time (Barred Rock) and it was AMAZING!!! I don't think I'll ever buy commercially raised chicken ever again. I am getting more comfortable with the process, and just wanted to say thank you to everyone here that has posted a how-to, or instructions, or anecdotes about their processing experience. Without you all as a resource, I'm not sure I would have even tried. I'm incredibly grateful and proud to join the ranks of the self sufficient

One question re tools...what do you all use to cut off the neck? I've been using a scalpel to sever the jugular and do all the rest of the cutting, but it's definitely not the right tool for removing the head & neck. I noticed with an older bird it's not that easy to just break and tear...I don't have a lot of tools lying around so will probably buy something better suited...what do you all suggest, a larger knife, shears?

Thanks!!

 

[redsoxs]

I think a lot of tools you listed would work - personally, I use a cleaver. One quick chop removes it. A good heavy knife would work just as well.

 

[PotterWatch]

I peel the skin back until I see a white area of tissue on the back of the neck. Then I cut through the muscle all the way around the neck at that point with the same knife I use to do all the other gutting. Once the muscles are cut, it is easy to twist it off the rest of the way.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I use poultry shears to cut the neck off. That's what I also use to separate the breast from the back.

When I process I don't leave the carcass whole. I cut it into serving pieces. Most of that is done with a sharp knife but if bones are involved I use the poultry shears. That helps keep my knife sharp.

 

[Overoberyl]

I've never heard of poultry shears, that sounds like a tool that would be good to have, will look @ Tractor Supply...

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Ridgerunner]

There are different varieties but these are the ones I use. They do take a bit of hand strength but I like them. We each have our own methods and tools.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/oxo-poultry-shears/

 

[PotterWatch]

To cut through bone when I am cutting up a chicken, I use trauma shears. Those suckers cut through anything!

http://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Shears-RESCUE-TRAUMA-SHEARS/dp/B000FOOVM4

 

[OHIO NATIONAL]

Garden tools you might already have; anvil pruner, bypass shears, limb loper.