Reflecting... my first batch...

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

It was about 3 weeks ago that I processed my first (though small) batch. I am already planning for the next...

I am surprised at just how much I enjoyed the entire process, from day-olds to freezer fillers. I learned so much and next time will be much better.

- Next year I would like to do two batches. March hatch for May butcher and August hatch for October butcher. March guys will have to be brooded indoors which means setting up something in the garage as I definitely won't do them in the house again! Hopefully the August batch will be much easier to brood because of the natural heat here at that time of year and October is much nicer processing weather!

-Tractor all the way. I'm hoping to build a lighter PVC model, as the wooden-framed tractor is just too heavy and too tall for meaties.

- On processing day setup is key. Next time I will have a check list and make sure I have everything I need. I thought I was prepared this year but looking back I wish I had had a few more things handy. I dispatched and scalded/plucked and my FIL did the ickiest part for me. But I made sure to learn how to do it myself and next time I won't need to call him. I also think my kids could handle watching next year (I sent them to my mom's for the day this year).

I am really surprised at how good it feels to have done this for my family. What a great experience!

Thanks to all the posters in the Meat Birds section! The information here was extremely helpful!

 

[Rolsjo]

We're going to process half of our first batch tomorrow. I also have enjoyed raising the meat birds. I like the checklist idea. Here's mine:

- killing cone
- knives for killing and butchering
- cutting board
- trash bags (lots!)
- cooler
- ice
- salt (for brine)
- old clothes/mud boots
- plastic gloves
- freezer bags
- running water nearby for rinsing

So, what am I forgetting? We're planning on skinning the birds, so don't need plucking/gutting supplies.

My kids have had a great time helping with the chicken chores and, surprisingly, are looking forward to the processing. We've watched some processing videos just to get them prepared for what to expect. My daughter has seen some deer field gutted, but my son hasn't been around processing yet. I think they'll be fine. Kids tend to mimic their parents reactions.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Good for you! I'm glad you had such a rewarding experience!

You sound like me & my processing pal, we're always trying to figure out how to do things easier/better/faster with each session. The last time was right after I'd watched a video on YouTube titled "Chicken Processing on Custer Family Farm". We tried skinning like they did, our first attempt at that, and we cleaned the carcasses out using their methods too. It was our best session ever.

I keep a list of tools & supplies taped inside a kitchen cupboard, and try to keep the things I only use for butchering stored together for easier retrieval.

I have always given my boys the option to watch and/or help. They're not good for much besides fetching tools, and for eating the finished product. But it hasn't bothered them to see the procedure. My friend's 4-year-old is our most attentive observer and once, the morning after a butchering session, he snuggled up to his mom and said "Hey Mommy, you know what? You're the BEST chicken killer ever!" My friend, who takes her children's compliments wherever she can get them, simply said "Thank you!"

 

[Rolsjo]

I loved the Custer Family Farm video! I sat my husband down to watch it last night. He's processed chickens before with a friend of ours, but they have all the processing equipment so the method was a bit different. This will be my first time processing and his first time skinning, so wish us luck!

 

[jaku]

Quote:
Good post- I agree on the two batches, that's when I do mine too. Also the PVC tractor works great, and the more you perfect your setup for processing, the easier it gets I've found.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

congrats! isnt it funny how satisfying it is? i totally feel like i'm part of the circle of life...and profoundly grateful to have this experience.

one of the things i do, aside from the checklist... is to print off the instructions (i like Harvey Ussery's themodernhomestead detailed instructions). we've dressed several batches but somehow it makes me feel more confident having the instructions right there.

also i gather up some courage and well wishes from this site!



great job!

ps Rolsjo - good luck! let us know how it goes!!!

 

[TimG]

Quote:
But, dispatching and plucking is the ickiest part!

I think kids can judge these things pretty well for themselves. In my opinion, explaining to them what is going to happen and letting them decide whether they want to watch, be involved, or be somewhere else is really the way to go.

 

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

I watched the Custer Family's video with my 8 year old daughter and she was not thrilled... not horrified but certainly not pleased. I'm afraid my 6 year old son might like it a little too much? Or be so grossed out he'd never eat meat again.

For me, the innards are definitely the icky part! Next time I will have surgical gloves on and it won't be so bad....

DH is not interested in processing the meat birds (weak stomach) so I am really interested in doing this all by myself although it is so much faster with a helper.

My daughter told me she was glad that she wasn't here when we processed and she has already asked to be gone when we process pigs in the fall.

So here's a question for you seasoned processors: How many birds can you do alone, and how long does it take?

 

[kycrawler]

i skin my birds and i can do 10 in 30 minutes that includes cleaning the gizzard and seperating out the livers then i take them inside to cut them up . i cut the thighs and legs off fillet the breasts off then cook the rest of the body down and pick them clean and can the skimmed broth working by myself i can completely process 50 in a day but it is alot of work i would much rather butcher 2 hogs than 50 chickens

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

i would much rather butcher 2 hogs than 50 chickens

aint that right.

actually we are big on turkeys - its the same amount of work but you get a ton of meat. i hate growing out those pigs but i love the bacon!​