Self Butcher Success, Freezer Camp Full.

[TipsyDog]

I really want to try processing myself, but haven't had the need yet. Everyone always says it's not as hard as we imagine. Thanks for the encourgement. I have 2 slacker hens that may end up in the soup pot if they don't straighten out but my DH talks me out of it. I don't raise meaties, but I just feel like I should know how to process if I'm going to keep chickens. One day I'm sure the need will arise and then.... well, thanks for the encourging words

 

[EGGTASKTIC]

I do not see how there is any argument from the " its cheaper to buy it" people.
Just no comparision in the fact that you know how the were raised and kept.

Thanks for the info

 

[carress]

Incredible...
It takes me most of a day to process 5 birds! It doesn't help that I'm all alone (hub and son won't touch the birds) and don't have a plucker... *sigh* The dreaded processing has nearly turned me off raising my own

Great going, and enjoy your meat!

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Carress, I'm usually on my own with the processing too. My kids are usually good about fetching tools, ice, & drinking water, but I don't want to force them to get any more involved than they wish (they'll be picking out my nursing home some day, I like to stay on their good side). Mister will help if he's not working & at home during a session because he likes to eat. I've got enough of The Little Red Hen in me to NOT share the meat if you don't help in some way to bring it to the table.

Perhaps you can find a friend or neighbor, or BYC buddy who lives near you. I like having someone alongside even if it's just to sit in the shade & keep me company with conversation. I have a dear friend who will come when she can, we've both enjoyed the learning curve with each butchering session.

I've also found it goes faster if I skin the birds, check out this video:

for a good tutorial on both skinning & gutting.

 

[bigredfeather]

What I did to get help was found a family that wanted to buy some of them, and was willing to come over and help butcher. It worked out great. He brought his wife, children, and Dad. We had 6 people helping total. If I had not done it this way, it would have been much more work. That being said, I wouldn't have done 62 of them, but it still would have taken longer for 2 of us to do just birds for our family. Currently I am seeking out at least two more families to participate in a Spring batch. I would like to start doing batches of 100-150, which may involve up to 4 families. The other family enjoyed being part of the processing, and knowing how there meat was processed. They also came over several time during the 8 weeks the birds were being raised. They were very please to see that the birds were well taken care of and maintained. They really liked the fact that I raised them in tractors, so they could enjoy the sun and have access to fresh air.

 

[TriciaHowe]

Awesome!!!!! I bet they are going to be great eating

 

[bigredfeather]

Quote:
It's funny you say that. I talked to the other family last night. They had their first meal from the birds yesterday for dinner, and they couldn't get over how good it was. They said they had never had chicken that tasted that good. I doubt they will ever buy chicken from the store again unless for some reason they run out before we get the next batch done. I told them when I anticipated having the Spring batch ready, so they could ration them accordingly.

 

[Bossroo]

Quote:
CHOKE ... CAUGH... GAG... Where, oh where, can one find FRESH AIR in the sunnytime of sunny California central valley or southern Cal.??? I sure can't , and I live there.

 

[dancingbear]

Quote:
CHOKE ... CAUGH... GAG... Where, oh where, can one find FRESH AIR in the sunnytime of sunny California central valley or southern Cal.??? I sure can't , and I live there.

According to Bigredfeather's screen info, he's in OHIO.

 

[Shoshana]

I'm wondering, which breed seemed to weigh the most dressed. I'm hoping to start a flock in the spring and am checking out my choices for breed. As a newbie, I need chickens that are docile and disease resistant, good foragers as I plan to free range, and grow to a nice size. Thanks!