North Carolina

[BookWorm243]

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We want to get into meat chickens, but need someone to show us how.

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

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We want to get into meat chickens, but need someone to show us how.

Who are you nearest too? I am sure someone who is close would be willing to show you

 

[Chickeninthemeadow]

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We want to get into meat chickens, but need someone to show us how.

Same thing here allaboutyou. would love to raise and process my own meat chickens as doing it yourself is a lot cheaper than paying someone else to do it.

 

[kello500]

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Actually, I live a few minutes east of you in Pender County. About 45min outside of Wilmington. I just mention Wilmington because its the biggest city closest to me (and I drive there for work). I have only lived here for a couple of years so I am still learning the area.

I noticed you have dairy goats. The next animal I have on my list is goats because I want to have my own milk, cheese, etc. However, I'm still reading/learning about chickens so I haven't started learning about goats yet.

The neighbor that surprised me with chickens said he lined up some goats for me. I told him to hold off until I was ready! The chickens are in the goat pen.

Would you say having goats is a good experience in your opinion?

 

[Chickeninthemeadow]

Wonder if anyone would be willing to host a "Chicken Processing Workshop" at their house/farm? Everyone brings a couple of chickens or perhaps if someone was willing to raise up a few meat chickens and sell them for the 'processing workshop' for those who didn't have birds ready at that time. (I'd be willing to pay $10 or so for a broiler and a hands on lesson).

 

[Gold Griffin Chicken Mom]

Since we're talking about something I've done, I'll pipe up. I have read several of the threads about processing on the meat birds forum. Most everyone admits to NOT enjoying the killing part. Everything else is downhill as far as I'm concerned.

My biggest fear is causing unneeded pain. Haven't tried pithing (blade through the brain) and don't think I could. I have tried several times slitting the jugular. I think it takes too long, probably because I have yet to hit it perfectly the first try. I may just have to get a good hatchet as the old fella at the feed and seed recommended. After the "deed" is done, I have no problems with the rest of the processing. I apparently either need pointers on plucking or turn to skinning.

If you can manage calm and detached, talk to the bird as you get ready. Sometimes I even pray out loud. I thank God and the bird for feeding my family. Anyway, that's what I do here. It's worked for me for almost a year now. June last year was the first processing and I've lost count of the number I've processed since then.

 

[BHep]

We are not even sure what happened to the gosling

My youngest DD found him in the water dish. NOT drown! It is the bottom of a chicken feeder. It is a little bigger then a dinner plate and about 2 inches deep. It had about an inch of water in it. He is almost bigger then the dish.
He looked just like he was hanging out. 1 foot sticking out behind him, like they all do when they are relaxing and his head was hanging over the side.
We are wondering if there was a gosling pile up and he was on bottom and sufficated. Or did he eat something bad. IDK

This happened while we were eating dinner right out at the back porch. We keep several water dishes all around the house and barnyard. Especially in this heat. We have lots of chicks, the goslings and ducklings. I don't like anything deeper then they can stand in.

I cannot believe how attached I have become to these goslings, they are absolutely my favorites !! I literally spend hours each day just hanging out with them. I sit out on the porch swing and they snuggle at my feet and follow me around while doing chores, and "help" in the garden. I can go on and on......

 

[kello500]

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Thats a really good idea! If anyone can help it would be the people here.

Now to get pictures...

 

[vfem]

We do process some of our birds, even our ducks. We pluck rather then skin (I like crispy skin!

)

This is, I don't feel bad about it when its a little brat rooster who gets it in the end. I also rather have 2-3 birds to do at once, and not just 1 little bantam roo. Not a lot of meat worth the trouble.

Plus, I prefer duck (They pluck well, just add soap to the water you scortch them in and it gets through all the oil in their feathers) when it comes to a good eating.

Again, this little guy I want to find a new home is so darn SWEET... follows me around and the whole thing! He may be a brat later though, but for now... he's too sweet! I honestly would keep him, but I barely get away with the 2 roos I have now. I have CLOSE neighbors.

 

[BookWorm243]

We know someone who process his extra roos, but wont show us

I am worried I will end up missing or some thing, and cause more pain to the bird. I couldn't bare to try pithing them.