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

[Arielle]

Quote: He might need coninual education . . . .

Quote: I did a group of 15 the first time, andthe second time. A good first start-- not too over whelming. However my source for chicks has double its pricing, and buying 25 direct from a hatchery ly Ideal is cheaper than buying the 15 from the feed store. . . . .

IF I do them again this year, it will be the fall.

 

[hillfloweranch]

I feel like he's waiting for everything to be perfect. He's building a silly platform to process on, getting something to keep the scalding water the right temperature, etc etc. I have no problem putting my big pot on the stove for scalding water, hanging the chicken from the washing line to pluck.

I hate that I have to use a live chicken to figure it out on. Today I got a better blood flow, but I held the skin too tight and the cut was bigger than I wanted. I need to press deeper in a smaller space rather than (what looked like  ) slitting half the throat. Sorry to be so graphic. 

We used an old road cone the first time

 

[Arielle]

Quote:

My kids use rocks to cut the hay bales open. One is partrcularly sharp. Not sure that one is suitable for cutting the jugular though. I sure like the scalpels. I buy a box of 10 . No long term use, but extremely sharp. I'm still working on a more sustainable knife: just haven't been able to sharpen a knife properly yet. . . . a bit of a skill aparently.

 

[Angelicisi]

I have a thread on new Zealand white rabbits for meat. Many knowledgeable peeps there have helped me. Feel free to add your thoughts, insights, pics, questions. We are still breeding but will get to the pics of processing soon. Personally I prefer the wringer method for dispatching. It's just easier for me.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...irth-to-processing-possible-graphic-pics/0_50

I know this thread is about processing chickens, but I could use some encouragement. Monday, day after tomorrow, I'll be processing some rabbits. I've never done rabbits before, and I'm a bit apprehensive about it. I've passed the chicken challenge, but could use some moral support for the bun one. Thanks!

 

[Angelicisi]

We processed the last 16 of our January 3rd hatched CX on saturday...slowest growers ever! Short end of the genetic stick? actually ONE was so small and fiesty we let her be. She lives now with the layers and won't let me get a good pic (why on earth she's scared of me I'll never know ) she looks like the size of my regular chicks ay her age :/

Most weights were 4lbs to 5lbs (one 3lbs)

I kept the livers, feet and some gizzards by request.

I am so proud we jumped into meaties and seeing my fridge full of resting birds makes me smile ear to ear KNOWING we did that. Start to finish and always have the knowledge now

 

[Bethel3330]

We processed the last 16 of our January 3rd hatched CX on saturday...slowest growers ever! Short end of the genetic stick? actually ONE was so small and fiesty we let her be. She lives now with the layers and won't let me get a good pic (why on earth she's scared of me I'll never know ) she looks like the size of my regular chicks ay her age :/

Most weights were 4lbs to 5lbs (one 3lbs)

I kept the livers, feet and some gizzards by request.

I am so proud we jumped into meaties and seeing my fridge full of resting birds makes me smile ear to ear KNOWING we did that. Start to finish and always have the knowledge now

You did great and what a beautiful end product! How long do you let them rest?

 

[dutchbunny83]

They look like turkeys!!!
My broilers never got that big.

 

[Angelicisi]

We process on saturday and they rest until Tuesday usually then I label and freeze.

You did great and what a beautiful end product! How long do you let them rest?

 

[Angelicisi]

Fermented feed helped greatly with solid growth
This particular batch took twice as long to grow to the sizes we wanted. But you get what you pay for at .30 cents a chick!

They look like turkeys!!!
My broilers never got that big.

 

[dutchbunny83]

Fermented feed helped greatly with solid growth

This particular batch took twice as long to grow to the sizes we wanted. But you get what you pay for at .30 cents a chick!

How are you getting chicks that cheap???
I use FF too, they go crazy for it, almost knock me over at feeding time haha!
I think I pay at least $2.50 a chick by the time you figure in shipping, higher for the Freedom Rangers.
Even the local feed store it'd be like $2.25 with tax, they only carry the white ones though, I don't usually get them.