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

[Bethel3330]

Is it okay to process one without letting them fast?
How best to single one out if not? We tried caging himand immediately he and the rest of the flock freaked out. I'm thinking the best thing we can do is pick him up and carry him elsewhere where the flock can't see him for processing.
HE was supposed to be a pullet. I was going to let him hang out so long as he didn't cause trouble, but he's especially vicious toward some younger ones we're trying to integrate with the flock. Besides that, when he thinks he's big enough we're going to have problems between him and our Alpha. Our roo does not put up with young cocky males.

Thanks for any tips! This will be our first time processing. Hubby has been around while it was done when he was a kid. He's a capable guy so it will be harder on me than anyone, besides the cockerel of course, but it was my idea to get chickens for eggs AND meat so here we go.

 

[LindaB220]

They just came out of the oven

They look great. Looks like you have 2 different kinds. What are they?

 

[LindaB220]

Is it okay to process one without letting them fast?
How best to single one out if not? We tried caging himand immediately he and the rest of the flock freaked out. I'm thinking the best thing we can do is pick him up and carry him elsewhere where the flock can't see him for processing.
HE was supposed to be a pullet. I was going to let him hang out so long as he didn't cause trouble, but he's especially vicious toward some younger ones we're trying to integrate with the flock. Besides that, when he thinks he's big enough we're going to have problems between him and our Alpha. Our roo does not put up with young cocky males.

Thanks for any tips! This will be our first time processing. Hubby has been around while it was done when he was a kid. He's a capable guy so it will be harder on me than anyone, besides the cockerel of course, but it was my idea to get chickens for eggs AND meat so here we go.

Get him off the roost the night before and keep him in a cage where he can't eat or drink. By noon he will be fine to process.

 

[chicken pickin]

I processed 3 different kinds. They all looked quite similar after process. Just guessing but I believe the one to the front was a pure Cream legbar and possibly the one in the back I think is one of the mix breeds being 1/2 Marans, 1/4 Cream Legbar, 1/4 Cochin. They were both roughly 14 weeks old.

 

[LindaB220]

I processed 3 different kinds. They all looked quite similar after process. Just guessing but I believe the one to the front was a pure Cream legbar and possibly the one in the back I think is one of the mix breeds being 1/2 Marans, 1/4 Cream Legbar, 1/4 Cochin. They were both roughly 14 weeks old.

The body shape was good on both. I just wondered at the difference in the leg length.

 

[Bethel3330]

Get him off the roost the night before and keep him in a cage where he can't eat or drink.     By noon he will be fine to process. 

Thanks Linda!

 

[Arielle]

Is it okay to process one without letting them fast?
How best to single one out if not? We tried caging himand immediately he and the rest of the flock freaked out. I'm thinking the best thing we can do is pick him up and carry him elsewhere where the flock can't see him for processing.
HE was supposed to be a pullet. I was going to let him hang out so long as he didn't cause trouble, but he's especially vicious toward some younger ones we're trying to integrate with the flock. Besides that, when he thinks he's big enough we're going to have problems between him and our Alpha. Our roo does not put up with young cocky males.

Thanks for any tips! This will be our first time processing. Hubby has been around while it was done when he was a kid. He's a capable guy so it will be harder on me than anyone, besides the cockerel of course, but it was my idea to get chickens for eggs AND meat so here we go.

SOmetimes it is necessary for me to process immediately due to an injury, and I can't wait for the fasting time. I just need to a little more careful at the poop end but I figure any slight contamination is still FAR less than commercial chicken. I always cook chicken thoroughly anyways--

BE sure to take some pictures!!

 

[Bethel3330]

SOmetimes it is necessary for me to process immediately due to an injury, and I can't wait for the fasting time.  I just need to a little more careful at the poop end but I figure any slight contamination is still FAR less than commercial chicken. I always cook chicken thoroughly anyways-- 

BE sure to take some pictures!!

Oh my goodness. We didn't even think of it, we got so focused on what we were doing! So here's a picture of what he looks like as he's resting in the fridge.

What surprised me was that my four year old was not the least freaked out and insisted on wearing gloves and helping us pluck! Mommy always overthinks things.
We were not the least efficient. I'm a little daunted at doing even ten at a time this fall. *sigh*
Oh, we chose not to fast and it worked out just fine. We wanted him in his normal setting and not nervous for as long as possible. When we tried to cage him it was just bad, but I appreciate Linda giving me the info

 

[winteree]

They just came out of the oven

very nice what breed was the top one? it has a lovey body shape

. How was the meat? I have been putting off culling a few extra roosters of mine because of the "tough" meat dilemma but those look amazing!!

 

[Kassaundra]

Is it okay to process one without letting them fast?
How best to single one out if not? We tried caging himand immediately he and the rest of the flock freaked out. I'm thinking the best thing we can do is pick him up and carry him elsewhere where the flock can't see him for processing.
HE was supposed to be a pullet. I was going to let him hang out so long as he didn't cause trouble, but he's especially vicious toward some younger ones we're trying to integrate with the flock. Besides that, when he thinks he's big enough we're going to have problems between him and our Alpha. Our roo does not put up with young cocky males.

Thanks for any tips! This will be our first time processing. Hubby has been around while it was done when he was a kid. He's a capable guy so it will be harder on me than anyone, besides the cockerel of course, but it was my idea to get chickens for eggs AND meat so here we go.

I prefer fasting just for my ease and convenience, but fasting is absolutely not ness.