Processed my first bird this weekend

[DLCShark]

I finally worked up the courage to go thru with processing one of my RIR Roos this weekend. I asked for help from my brothers who seemed to be fascinated with me having chickens(one even when out and got him a couple) but neither came through so I went at it alone.
It was a task chasing the lil sucker down on a bad ankle then a series of other growing pains followed. I didn't hit the jugular just right so he didn't bleed out as well as he could have. I think my water was too hot in the scalding pot but many of the feathers were still tough to pull out. My knife was a far cry from what I needed(it was like using the smooth side of a spoon. But all in all I was satisfied with what I accomplished. Two more to go as I don't care to have roosters right now. Especially since they are bullying the girls off the food.

 

[DLCShark]

Here's the only two pics I took. Beginning and end. I was busy in between.

 

[LindaB220]

Here's the only two pics I took. Beginning and end. I was busy in between.

Hey DLCShark,

It looks like you had a good learning experience. We always learn from out mistakes. And the biggest one? Knife not sharp enough. Kudos.

 

[kbarnes]

Its been a while for me so as I read your post I wonder other than a sharp knife for the jugular what kind of knife did you use to remove the head and feet. I have a few chickens and only received 6 cockerels in the mix so I may process a few of the girls. I would like to be ready so if you have some tips for another newbie at this I would appreciate it. Thanks

 

[LindaB220]

Its been a while for me so as I read your post I wonder other than a sharp knife for the jugular what kind of knife did you use to remove the head and feet. I have a few chickens and only received 6 cockerels in the mix so I may process a few of the girls. I would like to be ready so if you have some tips for another newbie at this I would appreciate it. Thanks

Have you thought about poultry shears. That's what I'm going to get.

 

[kbarnes]

Have you thought about poultry shears.  That's what I'm going to get.   

no I hadn't thought about that. I was thinking the big heavy clever. I have a few weeks as the chicks are only 2 months but have want to have everything ready for the " in case of" moments. If I have two start fighting before theyre big.

 

[DLCShark]

Its been a while for me so as I read your post I wonder other than a sharp knife for the jugular what kind of knife did you use to remove the head and feet. I have a few chickens and only received 6 cockerels in the mix so I may process a few of the girls. I would like to be ready so if you have some tips for another newbie at this I would appreciate it. Thanks

To be honest I ended up using a box cutter(with a new sterilized blade of course) for the jugular and a regular kitchen knife for the rest. I want to upgrade before the next round.