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

[Crickett]

Preparing to process a couple of my extra roos. I've read a lot, got the knife sharp, the water is on to boil, just trying to work up my nerve. Wish me luck!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Preparing to process a couple of my extra roos. I've read a lot, got the knife sharp, the water is on to boil, just trying to work up my nerve. Wish me luck!

You got this!!

 

[Toast n Jelly]

Preparing to process a couple of my extra roos. I've read a lot, got the knife sharp, the water is on to boil, just trying to work up my nerve. Wish me luck!

Deep breaths, stay calm..... and good for you!

 

[Crickett]

First roo is now in the fridge resting. He flopped around after I cut his neck, so now I look like something out of a horror movie. But I did it! Now just have to boil more water for roo #2.

 

[fisherlady]

Good job!

You can minimize the flinging blood by using a garbage can with a fresh bag in it... just have it handy to where you are doing the cutting... do the cut and lower the bird into the can and hold it by the feet until it quits moving.

We use a coffee can, just let the bird hang and stick the coffee can up to cover the head and neck... but not too many folks have an empty coffee can laying around... hence my mention of the garbage can first.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

First roo is now in the fridge resting. He flopped around after I cut his neck, so now I look like something out of a horror movie. But I did it! Now just have to boil more water for roo #2.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Very clever--- THAT's what I mean about defining fencing!! lol You can create an artifical tree of sorts too-- using something like a 2 sided little shed for cover-- lots of possibiliteie-- to out wit the hawks and the neighbors. lol

Quote: Congrats, Tomtom mom!!

It is done

Took me nearly 1 hour 45 minutes from first cut to getting it in the fridge. My killing knife is not sharp enough, I'm not happy. I bought it specifically as a killing knife. The poor guy took about 3 minutes to die and I feel terrible about it. The cone worked great, my water got too cool before I scalding. A second pair of hands would've been great. I spent the longest time plucking. He was 5.5lbs live weight, 3.7lbs processed.

Very nice job!! It will go faster and easier as you practice.

That gumption will serve you well in the years to come r aising kids-- no room for being a whus in an emergency.

A box cutter is a great idea. I was considering a scalpel, but the handle might be slippery in the wrong conditions, but they are designed for cutting skin and come in disposables.

I use a scapel-- no more slippery than a knife. VERY sharp. But only good for a few birds as it gets dull.

First roo is now in the fridge resting. He flopped around after I cut his neck, so now I look like something out of a horror movie. But I did it! Now just have to boil more water for roo #2.

lol, yup, those are the days I pray no unplanned visitor stops by unexpectedly. How do I explain looking like a horror show!

 

[Crickett]

Funny you should mention that! I was in the middle of plucking roo #2, and into my yard pulls my friend. Feathers were everywhere, not to mention blood. Definitely not my best look! Anyway, she has chickens too, so she wasn't shocked or anything. But the deed is done for another couple of months.

 

[Arielle]

If I have a few spots of blood here and there, I just say it is chocolate icecream from my kids!!

I noticed that "look" appears hours later and that excuse saved me from having to make a mad dash for clean clothes before picking up kids from soccer. lol

 

[Kassaundra]

Deep breaths, stay calm..... and good for you!

And my first few a glass of wine didn't hurt a thing! lol