Processing my first birds soon....

[new2chickens2011]

Hi all,
So my Cornish X are eight weeks old. Next week we are going to process! We are either taking them somewhere or a friend of ours will come out and help us.
I am getting attached though! I don't know if I'll be able to go through with it! Or eat them! And I certainly can't watch. Yes, they're ugly and smelly, but they waddle and follow me around and they're sweet.
Ugh.
I know I started a similar thread on this earlier, and everyone gave really good advice.
I just don't know if I can get over seeing them run around and then seeing them in the freezer!
Wow. What a wimp I am!
Thanks for listening.

new2chickens2011

 

[LindsayB]

It can be really difficult processing for the first time.

Its okay though. Just think about the great life you gave them and food they will give your family in return.

 

[oldorchardfarms]

We are doing the same thing, what i do is pay no mind to them, they are with our free range mixed pet chickens so i can avoid them easily. I could never eat them and i can clean them but not kill it would kill me inside.

 

[EggsForIHOP]

Just think of it this way...if you are ever lonely for more broiler chicks...they are only a shipment away and in a few weeks will be just as much fun (and just as tasty) as the others you are about to put in the freezer!

That's the beauty of a broiler really, cute fluffy babies, to fully grown in NO TIME! You can rebuild the little flock, and put more in the freezer when ever you are ready!

And no, new ones are never quite the same as old ones...but...they are special in their own way

Maybe next time, you could do some of the slow growing freedom ranger types to have more time with them...or maybe not...but that is another thought too...might be too hard to detach though...but if you could do it this time, you can do it again I believe.

Also, keep in mind all of the wonderful meals they will be providing and how thankful you are that they have served their purpose in life for you too! You have to keep the grand plan in mind - they had a job to do, and lived well while they were here, and now are on to their job of being wonderful, healthy homegrown dinners! Broilers are very noble little critters in a lot of ways...you just have to keep that in mind now that the time draws close.

Don't worry, I've been working on getting ours "off to freezer camp" and I kinda feel bad myself...I hate that they have to go, but I know they cannot stay, and I admit, I LOVE fresh chicken! Please do keep us posted, mine have turned out pretty well, and I can't wait to hear about yours!

 

[new2chickens2011]

Thanks all for your kind words! Will keep you posted.

 

[jessicayarno]

Quote:
X2
I look at it like this is the way it's suppose to be, I don't think it is suppose to be easy to process any animal.. Giving thanks for my food has a whole new meaning to me now... You can do this and will appreciate the life that was given for you to have a meal... Good luck

 

[naillikwj82]

They are meat birds. The choices are few. The first is you can dispatch them quickly with very little suffering on thier part, or you can let them live to potentially SUFFER a long respiratory illness to death, and or a heart attack! I feel choice number one is the best avenue. j