Do any of you send your birds out to be processed instead of doing the deed yourself? We are getting ready to start meat birds, but it's not something I can stand to do myself...anyone? If so, How do I go about finding a reputable place to process mine.? TIA
I planned on sending to a processor. Processors that do poultry are few and far between. The closest I could find was about 60 miles from me. The drive and the cost per bird convinced me that my only option was to do it myself right here. I helped my dad do it when I was young and I've cleaned all sorts of game and fish. It's no different.
I have mine processed in Siler City, NC at Chaudhry Halal Meats. I have done it myself but prefer to take it to them and be done with it. I pick them up three days later and they are in vacuumed sealed bags with labels. You can have them flash frozen or not. I think you can pick them up early if you want them fresh, not frozen. They slaughter and clean them the first day. Let them rest over night before final processing and bagging. I leave mine whole. I get a seperate bag with all the livers in it. Siler City is only a hour and a half from Benson. Maybe you have a processor closer to you. Darin
I brought my first batch of birds to be processed. Never again! It was very stressful for them. I prefer to do it myself. I believe it is easier on the birds to be processed at home.
I have sent mine to an Amish family to be processed before. They are about 45 min from my house which is a little far but worth it to me. They only charge $2.25 per bird and I don't have to process them myself. I don't have the tools or time to do it myself.
We sell at a farmers market whos rules require us to use a processor. You need to plan for minimizing stress in transit. I would say that if its longer than three hours (and thats stretching it) I am not sure it would be worth it. Think about things like going early in the morning so as to avoid the heat. Think about what you will carry them in, etc...
Thank you...I don't think I'd be willing to do it if it were more than a couple of hours..I do know there are two places within a reasonable distance of me, so what should I be looking for in a facility..what questions should i ask? Thanks for all the help!
There is a place in Clayton/Wilson Mills area that is closer to you. I think its $3/bird. Look up A1 Meat Processing.
Make sure before you take them somewhere that you will be getting your birds back. Some disreputable meat processing places will just give you what they have there already. We have known of this to happen in our area.
