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

[ozexpat]

have you had home grown chicken dinner yet sally??

 

[kacklinkelly]

oh YAY!!! did you see the FF Hotwater no straing method video a page or so back, finally made it! Dh wasn't thrilled but he made it while I taped! he he he

Yes, Yes I watched it a couple of times and as I was stirring mine today, I was thinking of you and your DH for taking the time to post that.
You DA BEST!!!

Am starting to get my supplies together for processing day. Still have a few weeks to go. I found a lady on youtube who
wears a pink scarf every time she butchers one of her animals. She is very respectful of the life she is taking. My adult daughter loves to
tease me about my new hobbies and seeing me hanging out on a chicken forum. She asks me what I'll be wearing on processing day.
I showed her my pink cammo bandana and she just cracked up. I told her I can wear it one of two ways - either tough chick style or
1940's hair up and out of the face style. Depending on what energy I need that day.

. Daughter's boyfriend has offered to help me. I think it's
pretty funny because he works for petsmart and LOVES animals. has only just the other day held a chicken.
(he was actually intimidated by my laying hens for a while) LOL - This is becoming quite the family controversy. I remain committed to the
learning process of how to raise and provide food for our family (or just myself) I have a feeling they will all be joining me at the table
to try it once cooked. We'll see. Thanks again to all for assisting in building the courage/confidence needed for the first time.

 

[OffGridMAMA]

I've processed six roos thus far. The first two with help from my sisterinlaw and the last four completely on my own (while nobody was home, just in case I messed up lol). It was hard to decide to do it. But once the first sense of panic faded I was fine. I thanked them for nourishing my family and then did the deed. Sharp knife to the jugular.I tied their feet and hung from a post over a bucket.Took these last four inside. Had the pot of water boiling and two catering trays on my counter. One for the cleaning and the other for the cleaned birds. Still not pretty in my butchering the pieces, more experience will teach me this. They were small a fairly lean but great. I slow cooked two in broth immediately and had them with 'mole' Mexican chile sauce. Very tender. Delicious.The other two became soup. Wonderful.

I take great care to make sure my chickens are well, they honor me in feeding my family a chemical free meat that I can proudly say is from my little homestead. One step more in the journey to a more natural life.

One year ago I never thought I would do something like this. I was in the city living a different life. I have been blessed to have this opportunity. My chickens are a big part of it.

Wanted to share my story.

 

[fisherlady]

I've processed six roos thus far. The first two with help from my sisterinlaw and the last four completely on my own (while nobody was home, just in case I messed up lol). It was hard to decide to do it. But once the first sense of panic faded I was fine. I thanked them for nourishing my family and then did the deed. Sharp knife to the jugular.I tied their feet and hung from a post over a bucket.Took these last four inside. Had the pot of water boiling and two catering trays on my counter. One for the cleaning and the other for the cleaned birds. Still not pretty in my butchering the pieces, more experience will teach me this. They were small a fairly lean but great. I slow cooked two in broth immediately and had them with 'mole' Mexican chile sauce. Very tender. Delicious.The other two became soup. Wonderful.

I take great care to make sure my chickens are well, they honor me in feeding my family a chemical free meat that I can proudly say is from my little homestead. One step more in the journey to a more natural life.

One year ago I never thought I would do something like this. I was in the city living a different life. I have been blessed to have this opportunity. My chickens are a big part of it.

Wanted to share my story.

Good job!! Yes, it is part of the circle, and I'm glad you found your way. Thank you for sharing your story, hopefully the stories in this thread will help others who are deciding what is right for them.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

have you had home grown chicken dinner yet sally??

I am trying to pawn them off on my son!

No seriously I am bagging two and starting them around noon today.... wish me luck, because right now I am sorta gagish but I am making myself eat chicken nuggets for lunch to knock some sense in to me!!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

That's the plan. I'll update if I go through with it... Or if I don't... lol

awwwww like I said before, meaties would probably be best to start with. But its a courageous jump!!

But it aint over for me yet, I didn't eat them YET!!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Quote: I have a very good feeling this is going to go very smoothly for you!! Don't forget us when you do!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I've processed six roos thus far. The first two with help from my sisterinlaw and the last four completely on my own (while nobody was home, just in case I messed up lol). It was hard to decide to do it. But once the first sense of panic faded I was fine. I thanked them for nourishing my family and then did the deed. Sharp knife to the jugular.I tied their feet and hung from a post over a bucket.Took these last four inside. Had the pot of water boiling and two catering trays on my counter. One for the cleaning and the other for the cleaned birds. Still not pretty in my butchering the pieces, more experience will teach me this. They were small a fairly lean but great. I slow cooked two in broth immediately and had them with 'mole' Mexican chile sauce. Very tender. Delicious.The other two became soup. Wonderful.

I take great care to make sure my chickens are well, they honor me in feeding my family a chemical free meat that I can proudly say is from my little homestead. One step more in the journey to a more natural life.

One year ago I never thought I would do something like this. I was in the city living a different life. I have been blessed to have this opportunity. My chickens are a big part of it.

Wanted to share my story.

awesome!!! Thank you OGM!!!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I received my 2 spitz ROO's and there are an extra 12 "other big red" ROOS in there! No clue on breed!

I guess I now have "meaties" funny how things work out! Cute as heck though, ugggg

now where do I go with 12 extra birds?

 

[chirpingcricket]

I received my 2 spitz ROO's and there are an extra 12 "other big red" ROOS in there! No clue on breed!

I guess I now have "meaties" funny how things work out! Cute as heck though, ugggg

now where do I go with 12 extra birds?

WOW. . .that's the way it goes. You'll be the expert in no time.

hahaa I have a feeling this thread will be around for a long time. Great job! Is that green stuff grow gel? Never used it but heard something about it once.