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

[llandry]

We just processed our first bird. I hope it gets easier. I have to figure out a way to stop putting my human emotions into the chicken. I love being a part of BYC. As soon as it was over all i could think to do was come and reach out here for support. i'm sure this seems silly to some but this was pretty tough for me.

 

[ronott1]

We just processed our first bird. I hope it gets easier. I have to figure out a way to stop putting my human emotions into the chicken. I love being a part of BYC. As soon as it was over all i could think to do was come and reach out here for support. i'm sure this seems silly to some but this was pretty tough for me.

Good job!

It is never easy but it does get easier. Let us know how the bird tastes when you cook it.

 

[llandry]

Thanks. I'll let you know in an hour......

 

[Tomtommom]

Thanks. I'll let you know in an hour......

No rest period? Might end up tough as nails.

 

[tjo804]

How long is long enough for a rest period?

 

[ronott1]

How long is long enough for a rest period?

Until rigor is gone--usually two days in the fridge.

I have read that you can cook them the same day as long as you get them cooking prior to rigor setting in--that is about 45 minutes from death.

 

[Toast n Jelly]

Quote:
You can use duct tape if you don't have a cone. Tape wings to body, hang a rope on a limb or fence and tie one end around his legs. After the deed is done, pull the rope, tie the loose end and walk away until he's over his death throes.

 

[llandry]

so I guess there's a learning curve here. Resting period? I think I cooked him just within or only minutes over the 45 min. He's VERY tough but i chalked that up to being mostly muscle since he was only about 4mon old. Is this a possibility or is it because I didn't rest him?

 

[ronott1]

so I guess there's a learning curve here. Resting period? I think I cooked him just within or only minutes over the 45 min. He's VERY tough but i chalked that up to being mostly muscle since he was only about 4mon old. Is this a possibility or is it because I didn't rest him?

Likely both.

Rest for two days in the fridge and brine the day before cooking.

Alton brown has a god brine recipe.

 

[llandry]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm definitely more prepared for next time. We had an unexpected roo turn up in our last group and figured we might as well give this a try.