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

[hennible]

I am going to butcher my three CX pullets and as many pioneer roos as I can on my own.  I plan to leave the CX whole, I love roast chicken, but I am going to just piece the others.  I have found it is A LOT easier to just cut off the breast, legs and wings, especially with the kind of scraggly ones.  Wish me luck this will be my first time all by myself.

Good luck!

 

[IttyBiddyRedHen]

I have a different processing question.

What are the best bags to buy for freezer storage? I used the gallon ziplock bags last time. The ones with the actual zipper thingy.
The birds were still a tight fit.
Anything on the market that I DON'T have to order?

We are processing 5 cockerels this coming weekend. If they make it that far. I might end up doing one a day.

thanks in advance!

 

[fisherlady]

I have a different processing question.

What are the best bags to buy for freezer storage? I used the gallon ziplock bags last time. The ones with the actual zipper thingy.
The birds were still a tight fit.
Anything on the market that I DON'T have to order?

We are processing 5 cockerels this coming weekend. If they make it that far. I might end up doing one a day.

thanks in advance!

You can go with the vacuum seal bags, gallon width size, cut longer than usual for whole birds... but honestly, I think the best option is to order the 'shrink wrap' type bags for whole birds.
You can use the vacuum seal bags for cut pieces, either quart or gallon width, depending on the size you want to pack.
I have not had luck with any of the regular zip lock style bags when it comes to protection from frost/freezer burn beyond a few months in the freezer.

edit to add.... I use a 'Food Saver' vacuum sealer and usually their brand of bags.... other similar sealers are available and may work just as well, I am just not familiar with them.

 

[katbriar]

Bazy- great job and post about whatever when you're ready.

You did a hard thing and are measuring yourself against it. People who are very conscious of what they are doing often have the hardest time in the moment, but become the most capable, responsible, and "accurate" harvesters in the future because they are so motivated by their sense of responsibility.

We all feel like we've made mistakes and have short-comings, and I hope I don't sound glib when I say that I think it's part of it. There's just not a perfect time or way. It's just the best we can.

Again- good job!

 

[Tomtommom]

I think there's such a thing as a 2 gallon bag.

 

[IttyBiddyRedHen]

Maybe I did see 2 gallon bags at walmart. I'll have to look again this week.

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

Well crap! Rain kept the birds around another day. Those CX pullets are so big I don't know how they still walk.

 

[winteree]

I'm afraid I have a bit of a problem my dad broke my hatchet that I use to cull my birds with. I have an old cleaver but I had to put a new edge on it and I scared the finishing chop won't be "first time" is their any way to check the sharpness of the blade? If I had to use more then one chop I wouldn't be able to forgive myself.

 

[winteree]

Yeah the plucker is amazing... I'm only doing one roo and one drake but if I ever have a bunch to butcher it would be handy...
A little soap in the water helps with the duck plucking and make any processing smell better.

does it matter what type of soap?

 

[fisherlady]

does it matter what type of soap?

I use Dawn, but probably any liquid dish soap would be fine, it helps break the viscosity of the water and it seems to penetrate the feathers a bit better.

To test the cleaver you could use a chicken leg or neck from a store bought bird if you don't have one of your own in the freezer.... just make sure it is thawed first. If the cleaver can cut through then it should work on a live bird. The big difference you will need to account for is the reduced weight of the cleaver... the weight of a hatchet helps carry it through on a cut.