Semi-new chicken owner in VA :)

[melanie_s]

@rjohns39 - Thank you so much for you post above. I spent the morning at Polyface (they're just an hour from my house). You're right, they were extremely helpful and accommodating. They have their summer interns doing the processing right now. The interns were so knowledgeable and patient, even letting me help eviscerate the birds, taking time out to show me exactly what to do. This is no small feat, as I'm terrible with knives.

I'm pretty sure that didn't help them meet their schedule but they didn't seem to mind at all.

This was just what I needed. Incredibly helpful. And I don't think I would have done it without your post. So thank you!

Photo of me (green shirt) helping process chickens at Polyface!

They are way more than approachable... They want to help all of us trying to figure it out. I've met Joel a couple of times, but spent most of my time with sherry. All they want is for us to succeed.

 

[rjohns39]

@rjohns39 - Thank you so much for you post above. I spent the morning at Polyface (they're just an hour from my house). You're right, they were extremely helpful and accommodating. They have their summer interns doing the processing right now. The interns were so knowledgeable and patient, even letting me help eviscerate the birds, taking time out to show me exactly what to do. This is no small feat, as I'm terrible with knives.

I'm pretty sure that didn't help them meet their schedule but they didn't seem to mind at all.

This was just what I needed. Incredibly helpful. And I don't think I would have done it without your post. So thank you!

Photo of me (green shirt) helping process chickens at Polyface!

View attachment 1871400

I'm glad it was helpful. They have proven to be an invaluable resource for me.

ETA: if you like gizzards, refrigerate them over night before trying to clean them. If you need help, I'll be happy to tell you how I do them. They are a HUGE pain to do.