Sent my first guy to freezer camp today.

[chicks n dogs]

My goal and purpose in having chickens was fun and eggs. I paid more money to make sure that I had a sorted flock of all females. I have no interest in a rooster at all. Well, I was bamboozled at the feed store and 3 of my 5 ladies turned out to be gents. I was already so attached to everyone that I figured just buy a few more ladies and call it a day. I just couldn't see letting go of my boys.

Then one of them began to try out his voice. All - day - long... So my feelings of love quickly waned. I have spent hours reading up here and youtubing the heck out of how-to videos. With my mind made up today was the day.

It was cake. I am still in shock at how smoothly it went. He will be a stock pot man in a few days as he was a bit older (5 months) and a bantam so not much love on his lil body. Perfect practice bird.

Here are the little things I learned:
1. only a dip or two in the scalding water. I went, let's say, a little heavy on this.
2. Make sure your knife is way sharper than you think you need. This will save you a lot of time and energy.
3. Have faith in your hands. If you think you feel something inside than it is likely real and must be moved.
4. Watch a few more videos on the actual processing of the bird after he has been dispatched.

With that said I am in the market for meat birds and am over the moon about it. The thought of the money I will save is making me giddy! I have 4 kids and the resident man to feed, we go through many pounds of chicken a week. WOO HOO!

 

[caliclucker]

Way to go! I'm planning on trying my hand at processing one of my young Roos so you have given me a bit more confidence. I'm sure, as you stated, that it will be easier than anticipated.

 

[kizanne]

Congratz. If you do get meaties keep track of your expenses because lots of people don't save money compared to on sale grocery store meat.

I love my chicken and do it for the tastier, organic, humanely treated chicken.

I'm just saying if you are doing it to save money some do but lots find they are paying $1.27 / pound or more for a whole chicken and at Sam's everyday of the week I can buy chicken at 0.89/pound.

 

[Oregon Blues]

My chickens are cheaper than the regular priced chickens, but they cost me a lot more than store chicken on sale. The Safeway here will run a good brand of chicken for 88 cents a pound about every 3-4 months. I can't get close to that.

However, my family is certainly eating better chicken. It isn't right to compare it to store chicken. It's the same stuff (or maybe better) than the ones at the Farmer's Market selling fir $25 a bird.

 

[kizanne]

My chickens are cheaper than the regular priced chickens, but they cost me a lot more than store chicken on sale. The Safeway here will run a good brand of chicken for 88 cents a pound about every 3-4 months. I can't get close to that.

However, my family is certainly eating better chicken. It isn't right to compare it to store chicken. It's the same stuff (or maybe better) than the ones at the Farmer's Market selling fir $25 a bird.

I completely agree with you it isn't the same chicken and taste way better which is why I keep doing it. However, OP indicated she was going to save a ton on money. Like you said you can't touch 88 cents a pound.

On the other hand if you are competing against organic chicken it is easier. I know I didn't buy organic before this but I really do appreciate and enjoy the organic, partial, free range chicken I'm producing now.