reflection of first time chx kill

[bobbi-j]

Those look huge! What breed did you process? (& how big are they actually).

They were McMurray Delaware Broilers. If I remember right, I think they dressed out between 7-8 lbs.

 

[3KillerBs]

They were McMurray Delaware Broilers. If I remember right, I think they dressed out between 7-8 lbs.

I've wondered about those.

 

[CNJ]

I starved my chicken the other day and was suppose to process them today, but my leg was sore, so I fed them. I feel like I am procrastinating...................I wonder what excuse I am going to use tomorrow?

 

[bobbi-j]

I've wondered about those.

I still have 5 hens left over from last year. They seem to get around just fine and are good layers. I did, however, go back to the Big Red Broilers this year. At 10 weeks, the cockerels are broad and stocky and ready to go.

 

[Molpet]

They were McMurray Delaware Broilers. If I remember right, I think they dressed out between 7-8 lbs.

How old did you harvest them?

 

[bobbi-j]

How old did you harvest them?

5 months, I think. Later than we should have, but they were still good.

 

[CNJ]

Its Sunday and I still haven't processed my birds......................maybe next week.

 

[utefan47]

When I made the decision to raise chickens my intent has always been to rotate hens every few years when egg production decreased and to allow then to brood chicks. The males would be processed.
The first batch of 11 chicks contained two cockerels, one intended, one not. The odd man out was a light brahma named Stewie. At 14 weeks he began challenging my bielefelder cockerel, Spatch and was becoming aggressive toward several pullets, caused an eye injury to one. I made the decision to cull him early. I have hunted and field dressed small and big game over many decades, but killing an animal I raised from infancy is quite different. I carried him to ‘the cone tree’ while telling him what a good little rooster he was, thanking him for his sacrifice and that I understood his behavior, his hormones, his role in life. He was indeed a great guardian of the flock but in the grand scheme of things he was meant for the table. The knife found it’s mark. I’d like to say it was a clean one cut kill; it was not. After 15 or so seconds I realized he was opening his eyes, looked at me. So sorry, Stewie. I immediately severed the head and it was done. One shudder and then he was still.
I thanked God for providing me opportunity to give Stewie a good, albeit short, life, and for the opportunity to learn the practice of processing food for my family. I am a better person today than I was yesterday because of this.
Thanks for reading.

This was a fabulous read and very well written. We are looking at our "first kill" and this has helped more than you know. Even down to naming a tree "the cone tree". Thank you !

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

This was a fabulous read and very well written. We are looking at our "first kill" and this has helped more than you know. Even down to naming a tree "the cone tree". Thank you !

Welcome to BYC!!!
I’m glad you found it helpful. I have since culled a few more birds for meat. The act and process gets easier but the emotions remain…I try to stay focused on being thankful, knowing I provided a happy life (spoiled) for the birds, and offer a trauma-free respectful end. After the first botched carotid artery severing attempt, I take no chances..I use a very sharp machete and its over in seconds. Find your courage and good luck to you.
Remember…Circle of life, my friend!