Scalding large turkeys

[BorealRanch]

Hello all!! Processing time for our prop bronze turkeys should have been weeks ago but we've been trying to find something cost effective to scale them in and haven't been successful! Last year we did our white turkeys in a garbage can but it was JUST big enough (these are substantially larger) and it leaked. We only did 5 last year and barely made it through with the can and this year we have 11 to do. Any suggestions?? Something we can keep on a burner to keep temp appropriate but won't cost much. Help! (Picture of the birds attached for reference. My daughter shown in the pic is 40lbs so that will give you an idea of how big they are)

 

[R2elk]

Hello all!! Processing time for our prop bronze turkeys should have been weeks ago but we've been trying to find something cost effective to scale them in and haven't been successful! Last year we did our white turkeys in a garbage can but it was JUST big enough (these are substantially larger) and it leaked. We only did 5 last year and barely made it through with the can and this year we have 11 to do. Any suggestions?? Something we can keep on a burner to keep temp appropriate but won't cost much. Help! (Picture of the birds attached for reference. My daughter shown in the pic is 40lbs so that will give you an idea of how big they are)View attachment 1541813 View attachment 1541813

You may find a lot of information in the Meat Birds ETC forum.

I use a metal 1 1/2 bushel basket that I fill with 160°F water. Others use metal 55 gallon drums that are either whole or cut down to the desired size. I find barrels often available on the local craigslist. Some use an immersible heater to get the water to the proper temperature.