Note to self: Do not go to slaughter house near passover or easter!

[TimG]

One of the processing places in Maine that I have been to is Tabor Homestead in Berwick, that's probably the one you're aware of because it's not that far into Maine. Last year they had a note on their website that said they only do white meat birds. I don't know why, but that's what it said, so they likely wouldn't do the spent layers. As far as I know, they only do chickens and turkeys, so there wouldn't be a problem with lambs before Easter.

The other place I have been, and the one I now prefer, is Ken's in Biddeford.

If you are just selling to a few friends, I suspect you can get around all laws. It's likely that it is legal for you to sell live birds to your friends, then transport the birds to and from the processors for your friends. In effect, if your friends order before the slaughter you'd be OK. Of course, this depends upon your friends being cooperative. And, even if they are happy to cooperate, it's not a bad thing to understand the laws. It would never have occurred to me that there was anything wrong with transporting processed birds over a state line, though now that you mention it I would not be surprised if there was special consideration if the birds were intended for sale.

Tim

 

[Bossroo]

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Now, now Buster ! You know that you have to provide food, water, shade and now health insurance for the help.

 

[Mrs.H]

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I would like to know also. Always wondered, im sure prices vary, but just an idea of how much.

*saw TimG post afterwards sorry

 

[snowhorse]

$5 a bird.

They were thrown into a plastic lined box, and I had to individually package them.

 

[Mrs.H]

$4-5 a bird isnt bad. Thought it might have cost more!

 

[Buster52]

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Now, now Buster ! You know that you have to provide food, water, shade and now health insurance for the help.

Absolutely. And I enjoy every bit of it.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

around here it's 2.25 per bird; processed, chilled & individually vacum bagged- with three places to choose from within a 30 min drive - Idaho has it's draw backs but this is not one of them!

 

[snowhorse]

Wow I would say not! Thats great!

 

[peterlund]

I am sure I know the butcher shop. I was there last Tuesday, and saw the corrals full of lambs (with blue and pink spray paint on their behinds) waiting their turn. They are a nice enough crowd at the farm, but it is a laid back, write it on paper, lose the paper kind of place. And the 3 butchers do a whole lot of product!!!! It was amazing to see the work and time that went into a lamb. Never mind the killing skinning etc, but the removal and care of the chest lining and the intestines too! I know why you had to wait! They did mine in a flash when I was there. I opted to do the gutting myself.... And i was right in the middle of the butchering room... they probably wanted me gone!