New to the thought of butchering

[nutz4critters]

Just a side note. I personally have never pulled a head off of any animal. Came close once when pulling a mouse off of a sticky mouse pad, but we won't go there.

My dad used to dove hunt on occasion. Usually he shot and I hunted the shot birds. Perks of living with 80 acres of planted cropland across the driveway. I always hoped the dove was dead when I found it. I remember the first time I found one that had been winged. No, regardless, it would never fly again. But it was a sweet bird -- never offered to peck me or squawk or anything. Brought it back to my dad (I was about 14 at the time, this was back in the dark ages) and snap! Off with it's head.

I realize that was probably quicker to dispatch the injured and hurting bird, but it still turns my stomach. Whacking off the head doesn't bother me as much.

Strange, I know. But there you go. I just don't think pulling the head off is the way to go.

Okay, that's my 1.5 cents' worth.

 

[championny]

I agree. I couldn't do it myself. I did know of a guy who used to swig his chicken and snap the neck, but I thought that to be cruel. I wouldn't do that. After all, regardless of whether the animal is going to be food or not, they are still living creatures and should be respected as such.

This topic is helping me get over my raising chickens for meat. Now, I really want to try this; just not with my hens. Come one Ideal get those Cornish rocks in!

 

[Run-A-Muck Ranch]

Has anyone checked into have the Amish do it if you are unable to do it yourself.
I know the Amish around here charge about $1.25 per bird.
We found out that they will do it after we butchered 2 years ago.
We never used the Amish last year. We did it again our selves....

 

[Sunny Side Up]

My attitude towards my meat birds is the same as towards the produce in my veg garden. I nurture them from birth, give them the very best care, meet their needs, appreciate their beauty, admire their health, strength & growth, and anticipate their delicious destiny on my table!

Of course, butchering & cleaning chickens is not as much fun as picking tomatoes, but it's really not that bad of a job. Find someone who has done it before and work alongside them, with theirs or your birds. It's easier to learn that way rather than by reading a book or watching a video.

My friends, family & I now share this smug satisfaction, having crossed this bridge of basic survival skill, knowing that We. Can. Do. This. Thing.

I posted previously here about my experiences with raising standard breed roos for meat. I found them easy to care for, meaty & tasty, and best of all, could be butchered only a few at a time over a span of several weeks. This may be an option for you to consider.

I wish you success whatever you decide, and hope someday soon you get to enjoy a dinner like we had tonight, delicious chicken chili made with home-grown meat.

 

[mmajw]

I raise 50 Cornish X a year and the one thing that I have learned to do is just tend to their needs and make sure they are cleaned out and have plenty of food and water. I butcher mine at 7-8 weeks and they are great eating. I do not spend as much time with them as I do my layers so that I dont get attached. It will be worth your time and effort to raise your own for meat.