Processing my first batch of Cornish rocks

[RedemptionFarm]

I'm getting ready to process my first batch of Cornish rocks in a week or two and I'm gathering my equipment. I'm wondering what everyone uses for scalding. I have a friend who recommends a turkey fryer, but I don't have one and I don't really want to buy a new one. I've been looking for a good used one, but I'm having trouble finding one. Doee anyone have any other ideas? Maybe a different way that you've used?

 

[cassie]

I used a big pot. I mean a REALLY big pot. I don't remember where we got ours, but see if you can find a restaurant supply near you. Sometimes you can find used equipment at reasonable prices there and they will probably have what you need.

 

[burlapfootstool]

I bought one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classi...&qid=1491613801&sr=8-2&keywords=bayou+classic and I have a big pot a friend gave me. You will need to buy a full propane cylinder but it doesn't use much at all.

 

[RedemptionFarm]

Thanks. What did you use as a heat source for the pot?

 

[burlapfootstool]

I posted a link but this site is very patriarchal and doesn't like people posting links until they have studied them so my post didn't show up. I used a cooker from the most popular selling website there is, the heat source is called the bayou classic gas cooker. It works exactly right, you have to buy a propane tank but it's sooooo worth it if you do a lot of birds.

 

[RedemptionFarm]

I have 30 to do. To me this is a lot. I think we may try and break it up into separate weekends. Do you think it's a whole lot better than using a turkey fryer?

 

[RedemptionFarm]

I was able to see it. I had overlooked the post. Now that I see it, it looks perfect.

 

[donrae]

I heat water in one of the big enamel canning pots on the stove, then pour it into a cooler chest on wheels. I can wheel the cooler where I need to go, and it holds temp pretty well. I don't have to mess with a propane burner or anything like that.

But then, I do a max of 4 birds at a time.

I'm not sure how long the cooler would hold the water warm enough. I have zero problems doing my small batches and getting a good scald, but have not tested it over a longer period of time.

I do love the cooler, though. I see videos of folks dunking a bird in a pot and having water splash all over. With the cooler, I close the lid and rock that baby all around, getting the bird good and soaked.

Just be sure to use baling twine or something to tie to the legs, so you can fish the bird back out. Water's hot enough you don't want to be sticking your hand in there to try to grab a bird that's been fully immersed. Ask me how I know

 

[RedemptionFarm]

Lol! I will take your word for it that it gets hot! And thanks for the info. I had never thought of doing that.

 

[RedemptionFarm]

Oh my goodness! We did a few birds and so far, they are weigh in at around 5 pounds after we processed them. And they are only 5 1/2 weeks! We lost a couple die to hear attack and others' combs are looking pink, so we decided to do it. I was afraid they'd be too small, but wow!