Prep Table Recommendations?

[Mosey2003]

Oh hey I just found this one. Sounds similar to what you're after (though it's plastic): https://www.farmandfleet.com/produc...adjustable-multi-use-fish-and-game-table.html

I would want to look at that one in person first. From the angle of the picture it doesn't look like there's a lot of actual table room - fine for fish, but I might like a bit more for full sized chickens. I just put a bucket next to my table like NatJ usually.

 

[iwltfum]

I would want to look at that one in person first. From the angle of the picture it doesn't look like there's a lot of actual table room - fine for fish, but I might like a bit more for full sized chickens. I just put a bucket next to my table like NatJ usually.

Wow yeah that sink and "refuse hole" take up alot of space. I would definitely go for counter space over sink size. I also just use a bucket for offal. I have 16 feet of stainless counter space (8 feet per person in the evisceration area) and still don't feel like I have room for a sink in that lol. We do have a hand washing sink though, which is really nice to have, but I wouldn't sacrifice counter space for it.

My dogs really like the fact that I have a bucket on the ground to put tasty treats into on butcher days.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I would want to look at that one in person first. From the angle of the picture it doesn't look like there's a lot of actual table room - fine for fish, but I might like a bit more for full sized chickens. I just put a bucket next to my table like NatJ usually.

Wow yeah that sink and "refuse hole" take up alot of space. I would definitely go for counter space over sink size. I also just use a bucket for offal. I have 16 feet of stainless counter space (8 feet per person in the evisceration area) and still don't feel like I have room for a sink in that lol. We do have a hand washing sink though, which is really nice to have, but I wouldn't sacrifice counter space for it.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Since the width is listed at roughly two feet, I think that there's probably around a foot of unoccupied table space for the length of the table on that one side. Not ideal, but workable. If I were to get a table like this, I'd probably make an easy to remove cutting board that fit right on the sink, to expand the workable surface until the sink was needed.

 

[Parront]

Wooh. I just imagined the fit my wife would have if I plucked even one bird in the kitchen. I will not being going back to that place in my mind lol.

I used a turkey fryer propane burner for a long time before I built my electric scalder. I still keep it in our butchery building because it always worked very well and I'm not willing to give it up as a back up in case electricity fails for some reason during one of our butchering days. Really, I only put up with the electric because it's cheaper. I would still be using propane if it weren't for high gas costs in my area and how difficult it is for me to get a tank filled.

HA! I am the wife. Husband will not even look at a picture of processing! We have a guest house that has a great old fashioned kitchen that I can use. It is fine, but I have to mop up every feather before the weekend Air BnB guests get here! (Don't tell them what goes on in there before they arrive)!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Wooh. I just imagined the fit my wife would have if I plucked even one bird in the kitchen. I will not being going back to that place in my mind lol.

I totally understand. Good thing it is morning and I have time to get that image out of my mind before bedtime. I hate nightmares.

what do you use when it comes time to process the chickens?

I only do a half-dozen dual purpose birds at a time so not what you are looking for. I use two sawhorses with a couple of 2x10's on them for a work table with buckets and such for the meat and offal. It's all set up outside in the shade. I'm not even sure how I'd use a sink if I had one. I either throw stuff in a bucket to the left or a sink to the right.

But to me one very important thing is water. I use a lot of water, a hose with sprayer attachment, for things like rinsing the bird off before I start skinning it, keeping my work area and knives clear of blood, feathers, and such, rinsing my hands often, and rinsing the bird after I finish before I put it in the ice chest. I could not use water like this if I were inside.

I'm going to have to have a chicken-butcher-day.

I'm not sure if you are planning on being by yourself or if you will have an army to help, but I'd put counter space and water ahead of any hole in the table top to drop things through.

My set-up for cleaning fish is the same.

 

[3KillerBs]

It is fine, but I have to mop up every feather before the weekend Air BnB guests get here! (Don't tell them what goes on in there before they arrive)!

Is there a discount for being willing to help pluck or part out?

 

[Parront]

Is there a discount for being willing to help pluck or part out?

You are hired! Free night for doing the Duck Plucking!
https://airbnb.com/h/aspen-creek-bunkhouse

 

[father0fnine]

I've used a folding table with a plastic top, and a bucket beside it to drop stuff into.
The plastic is not too difficult to wash, even though it has a little bit of texture.
And it doesn't cost a fortune to buy, either.

I'm less concerned about the material. Plastic would work for me, I'm sure, as long as it's sturdy. I tried a plastic folding table from Wallie-World and it just didn't work. What got me on the video I was watching was the hole. It seemed like it made dropping the stuff a little more reliable. I end up have to play 52-feather pickup when I use the bucket-to-the-side method.

 

[father0fnine]

Oh hey I just found this one. Sounds similar to what you're after (though it's plastic): https://www.farmandfleet.com/produc...adjustable-multi-use-fish-and-game-table.html

That'd be perfect if only there was a farm and fleet nearby. They want almost 30 shipping. Once Mosey2003 suggested fish gutting tables, I started looking around and I found one at bass pro shops that looks good.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-deluxe-fish-table

I just have to wait for them to come back into stock.

 

[Mosey2003]

If you're wanting it more for the feathers and you're hand plucking, what I find best is to hang the bird by the legs and put a full size trash can underneath and pluck downward. When I have a bird on the table it's already plucked because I have a drum plucker. Or I'm skinning.