Quail, the "step on the wing" method...

[Bettacreek]

Well, I was told by the local breeder here, and have heard others talking about this method. My previous attempt at butchering was a hassle... The lungs, kidneys and throat were next to impossible to get out, even with splitting the breasts. So, I tried this method. I wasn't impressed at first, as it seems like you loose a lot of meat. You still have to cut the wings off (I was under the impression that the wings popped off). Some of them, I still had to "gut" them, but they were easy as compared to the other method. I HAVE found that if you bonk the head, cut it off, let a little blood drain, then step on the wings before they stop "running", it's easier, because then the wings will "set" away from the body instead of up against the body. There doesn't look to be nearly as much meat, and the ribs are still there, but it was MUCH easier, less nasty (no digging for lungs or anything), I didn't have to worry about the "butt patch" right above the legs on the back, etc. But, I'm wondering if the looks will be deceiving. I'm thinking that the legs and back have such little meat that tossing them won't be as big of a deal. If you have feral cats, wild animals or whatever, it's not a bad idea, then you can just toss the waste into the woods and let the animals eat the bones, heads and what little meat is left (wings/legs). I gave the cat the innards (minus the poo zone).

 

[miss_thenorth]

Although I haven't done quail this way ( I haven't butchered any of my quail yet), I have done grouse and pigeon like this. Even a few banty hens. It is very easy and efficient. If you wanted to clean the wings, (which I didn't), or the legs, it is still much easier once you breast the bird. And yes, the cats and dogs get the leftover parts. Nothing goes to waste here. When I get around to processing my quail, I will try different ways to see what I like best.

 

[RuffTuffCreampuff]

Is there a link that explains in detail on how to use this method?

Pam

 

[miss_thenorth]

Quote:
It's simple really. Put dead bird on it's back, with it's head facing you. Step on wings. Pull up on legs. The feet, with entrails will come right off leaving the breast exposed with wings still attached. Clip wings off--give to cat. If you want to save the legs, continue to skin them and clip off feet at the joint. Dogs love the feet. If you have a wild place near you, deposit the entrails in a ditch somewhere, so the scavengers can get a meal too.

 

[RuffTuffCreampuff]

Quote:
It's simple really. Put dead bird on it's back, with it's head facing you. Step on wings. Pull up on legs. The feet, with entrails will come right off leaving the breast exposed with wings still attached. Clip wings off--give to cat. If you want to save the legs, continue to skin them and clip off feet at the joint. Dogs love the feet. If you have a wild place near you, deposit the entrails in a ditch somewhere, so the scavengers can get a meal too.

Okay thanks, I will have to give that a try next time.

Pam

 

[chicken puller]

Quote:

It's simple really. Put dead bird on it's back, with it's head facing you. Step on wings. Pull up on legs. The feet, with entrails will come right off leaving the breast exposed with wings still attached. Clip wings off--give to cat. If you want to save the legs, continue to skin them and clip off feet at the joint. Dogs love the feet. If you have a wild place near you, deposit the entrails in a ditch somewhere, so the scavengers can get a meal too.

Okay thanks, I will have to give that a try next time.

Pam

will this work for chickens as a well