sending your birds out to be processed

[Montana-Hens]

When I lived in Michigan the local Amish would do it for $2.25 a bird. Living in Montana there is no one that I have been able to find who is reasonably close. I now do it myself. I only do a couple at a time ( I raise dual-purpose heavy birds). It was hard at first, but now really no big deal. I skin them as it is easiest with such a small flock, though I would love to have one with the skin still on to roast. Good luck

 

[bj taylor]

we have a place about 15 mi that process. they do it the same day. i want to use them but i don't want the birds to have a terrible time ( i know - i'm a weeney). i'm completely intimidated at the thought of doing it myself. i have never killed an animal before. i don't have a moral objection, just squeemish.
i had never thought to consider the processor might not give me my own birds back. great point.

 

[afveteran88]

I sent you a PM Jerryb. I'm looking for a place in SE Michigan

start asking around, you will find someone. call your count extension office, or the 4-H office, or the ag agent, feed mills you will find someone. if nothing else hang a flyer at the feed mill and maybe another home grower would want to work with you on a processing day to get both your birds done.

I have one place near me that does chickens for the public. Its an amish owned free range poultry farm. you just make a processing appointment and drop the birds in the morning. you can pick them up fresh that day later or go the next day and get the all vacuum sealed and frozen. prices range from $2-$3 depending on how many you bring and how you want them returned. I would do my own if I had the gear, but at $2 a bird I could never pay for the gear. Maybe I could set up a chicken processing trailer to rent out with cones, a scalder and a plucker?? Nah that is too much like work.

this year I am going to raise some straight run DP birds and take them in when they get to young fryer size. I am guessing around 16-20 weeks. we like a smaller bird than the typical cornish cross you get at the market so I am going to try this.

Jerry

 

[jerryb]

I sent you a PM Jerryb. I'm looking for a place in SE Michigan

I sent you the info back, for others who may be lurking its called "yo-mill grazers" near centreville mi. they do not have a website, but you will find a phone number to call. usually the amish will have an answering machine and return your call when they have a farm based business. It might be too far for you unless you want to buy some pasture raised pork or beef from them at the same trip. You could also come by and visit me while you wait, the coop always needs cleaning. . .

cheers
jerry

 

[zoo357]

I've been looking for a place in NW Indiana if anyone has any ideas. I've called around and they all refer me to Goshen which is at least 2 hours away

A little far. Anyone have any ideas??

 

[jerryb]

maybe this is closer: Chicago Live Poultry House (2601 S Ridgeway). processor in the city,

 

[KYTinpusher]

Can you tell me the name and address of the better one?

We have two processors near us, one is "drive through" style, to be sure you get YOUR birds back. You bring coolers and ice, and the birds, you move along the vehicle line as the birds go through, with windows so you can see everything.

Another one isn't as "fancy" and has a reputation for not giving back the correct birds. And they charge more. The better one is $2.75 for a chicken.