Pictures of Processing Set Ups

[danschicks]

I can't seem to find a metal processing table or even an old workable countertop. I think I will build it out of light wood and overlay with a type of metal sheeting. I'll have a drain etc to direct the water to the back of the yard. I know some of you have nice stainless tables, etc but I need an inexpensive alternative. Any thoughts or pics would be appreciated.

 

[anthonyjames]

If I recall seeing some photos from Jeff of Brunty Farms it looked like he used plastic 8ft long folding tables. I could be wrong but from some reason I have an image of a long plastic table.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

LOL... you envisioned right. You know you don't have to use stainless.... just a non-porus surface. They don't recommend wood however which may get you in trouble... but wood is still used in USDA plants as some old school butchers won't give up the wood chopping blocks.

As long as you pass the swab test ( if you intend to sell your birds) that's all that's needed. Nothing a good disinfectant can't clean up... so yes, I just use those plastic fold up tables. But, I'm saving up for one of those shiny new stainless steel tables!

 

[danschicks]

Thanks Jeff. I've used a plastic table in the past and ended up in 4" of mud by the end of the day. I was hoping for a better way to control waste water. I don't intend to use wood, but rather to use metal sheeting over a wood frame. This will give me the stainless effect, a drip edge, with a waste water control drain built in. I am still working on the design in my head. In case the homemade design doesn't come to fruition, I will continue browsing Craig's list hoping to get some type of processing table off of it. I am going to check at a restaurant surplus store as well. I figured I'd see what members on here have done. I appreciate the feedback. Although my plastic table is equipped with Heineken, not Bud light. Same effect, different taste.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

I hate bud light, that was my girlfriends beer... LOL...

But ya, I see what you mean. I have a concrete floor with a drain, so no mud. I've done that whole mud thing before and it's not fun. However before I got this place with the floor, I built a deck with a plywood platform and it worked perfectly. I used a stainless steel table (tree fell on it) and an old laminate counter top. I have a pic of the workstation... it's not a good one... as it's old but it kinda shows what I mean. I built this thing when I was like 15 so it's a thing of the past... it served its' purpose. I wish I had a close up of it but I don't.... I never thought to take pictures, the only reason why I have these is my Grandma got a kick out of all the animals. These don't help much with your table but you might get an idea with the platform... it sure beats muddy feet.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Ok, so I'm such an idiot... not to hijack your thread.... But if you look in the last picture, I zip tied chicken wire to that temporary fence that you see.... if you notice the fence is a hog type fence with smaller slots supposed to be on the bottom... and get bigger as they go up. Well take a good look at the fence, I have the fence upside down. No wonder I had to put the chicken wire on it. Urgh.... you look back at all of the projects you do sometimes and you think why? Why did waste so much time, money, and effort on something like that. Sorry... back to your table.

Silent Restaurant actions is where it's at. They have nice stainless steel tables, walk in coolers, ice machines... you name it... and for cheap.

 

[pdpatch]

Since I am not a short person, I made one from a kitchen counter top and double sink. It's stands taller the a Kitchen counter top.

The wooden chopping block did not last through the first session. I split it in two while chopping off legs.
A water hose feed it cold water from an outside connection, and has a valve and short hose, with a water nozzle on it, I use this the flush out the birds.


Tom

 

[danschicks]

Thanks Jeff, I was impressed at how quick you blamed the better half for the Bud Light. LOL. Also, thanks for the insight into the work station. Now you've filled my head with the idea for a platformed work station. I can see where this is heading- a fully equipped slaughtering house in the back yard... And to think I used to process birds on the tailgate of my pick up truck with a bucket of water and a dull pocket knife.


Tom- great pic of your table. That is what I kind of have in mind. I am hoping Craig's list or a restaurant supply will come through with the countertop.

 

[CARS]

So that's how Jeff gets the processing done so fast. He feeds and waters the birds AT the processing table!

I've been using plastic folding tables and pick-up tailgates. A stainless table would be nice to have someday.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Haha.. no on the bud light... totally not me! LOL... I was drinking rolling rock that night.. I have a pic to prove it too!

Chris- Those pics are old, anymore I have to walk like 300 yards to go get them. Back then, they were raised and processed all right there... the good days. That was before I read Salatin's book....