Processing Day Support Group ~ HELP us through the Emotions PLEASE!

[Beekissed]

I love how much I learn here. I am about to process my first roosters this weekend and I'm pretty nervous. I am wondering if there is a video or something I can watch cuz I'm a visual learner I do not want to screw up too bad =)

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ource=subscription_immediate&utm_medium=email

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-eviscerating-cutting-up-your-chicken-graphic

I like this guy's vid the best.

 

[chicken junky]

I have organic fenugreek seeds, if I sprout them can I give them to all chickens, rooster and chicks?

 

[chicken junky]

Okay the videos helped a lot, thanks. After you are done do you cure the chickens or just wrap and freeze? I might have to start with cone and ax and work into throat slitting, but the rest seems easy. Boy my Mom is gonna have a treat on her visit. My Dad was raised on a farm and my polish grandma gave my Mom duck blood soup on her first visit, kinda like a right to passage, yikes she passed but I don't think I would have.

 

[Tomtommom]

I was super slow processing (Ok, I still am... LOL). Honestly, a lot of it sort of explains itself as you go. Follow the path of least resistance: cut legs on the joint, intestines come out easily if you loosen membranes etc.

I watched a ton of videos and things and was really hesitant, but once you do it, it's not that bad. Just remember to remove the preen gland on the back of the bird (cut around it) and be careful not to pierce the intestines.... poo inside your bird is not good.

Some birds are easier than others. My first one, after cutting the vent, one good shake and the whole shebang just fell out. Beginners luck, I guess.

In the end, no matter how badly you butcher the bird (

), it'll still make a meal. Just.. ya know.. the poop thing. Don't get poop on/in your bird. A night in solitairy confinement with just water will mostly prevent that.

I will have some boys to process in a month or two.. gonna see if I'm any faster yet!

 

[Kassaundra]

I had an idea for a new killing contraption, I told my husband my basic idea and while I was gone today he made up an even better, more complete version of my original idea. It is really just a restraining contraption for good positioning for shooting the roo. I need to process two of my FIL's roos tomorrow, so I'll try it out if it works as well as I imagine I'll post pics.

 

[chicken junky]

All right I will let you know after I do the deeds I gotta go out and band hellboy so I don't get the wrong rooster. That would stink. They all look alike but only hellboy crows and let's me pet him. Wish me luck will feed "last supper" Thursday

 

[LindaB220]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ource=subscription_immediate&utm_medium=email

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-eviscerating-cutting-up-your-chicken-graphic

I like this guy's vid the best.

I immediately bookmarked this . Labeled it Best Processing by far.

 

[LindaB220]

Okay the videos helped a lot, thanks. After you are done do you cure the chickens or just wrap and freeze? I might have to start with cone and ax and work into throat slitting, but the rest seems easy. Boy my Mom is gonna have a treat on her visit. My Dad was raised on a farm and my polish grandma gave my Mom duck blood soup on her first visit, kinda like a right to passage, yikes she passed but I don't think I would have.

A sharp knife works best. I've watched an axe job and let me tell you it is worse.

 

[LindaB220]

I had an idea for a new killing contraption, I told my husband my basic idea and while I was gone today he made up an even better, more complete version of my original idea. It is really just a restraining contraption for good positioning for shooting the roo. I need to process two of my FIL's roos tomorrow, so I'll try it out if it works as well as I imagine I'll post pics.

Kassaundra, don't leave up hanging.

 

[Kassaundra]

Kassaundra, don't leave up hanging.

If it works I'll give more details w/ pics