*Sigh* Today is the day for my Turkeys

[Black Feather]

Today is the day my turkeys get prepared for Christmas dinner. Now I know it's the natural way of things but I can't help but feel a bit rotten about the whole thing. I don't eat turkey or poultry, but I raise some birds for my family for Christmas and Thanksgiving. A friend is coming up to help with the processing with my dad and brother who are also coming out. I don't even stay home for the event.

Is it typical to feel so bad about the whole thing? I raised these birds form eggs with the purpose of being Christmas dinner. I just don't want to be around for the killing part.

Urban Coyote

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Urban, yes, I think it's normal to feel crummy about it, even if you've known for a long time you were going to do it. You're a compassionate person after all. Try to treat it as an academic exercise, and don't look into their eyes.

 

[Beau coop]

I am so afraid of feeling the same way this spring with meat birds. I hope you can feel better knowing you have given the turkeys a good life and that you are providing quality food for your family.

 

[Black Feather]

That's pretty much the logical side of my thinking. They had a good life, they got to run around outside most of their lives eating grass, bugs and any poor other small creature they could get a hold of. Of course there's also the knowledge of knowing where the food my family will be eating this Christmas has come from. It's just I don't like knowing I closed them in the pen this morning knowing that I was sending them to their deaths. That's the emotional side of me thinking. Uhg.....darn emotions, ye vex me.

I'll do it all over again next year too. I'll just go for a drive for an hour of so until it's safe to come home.

Urban Coyote

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

Your doing the right thing. If your not comfortable being there just drive away, and know that you did the right thing by them giving them a fantastic life, and by having them home processed a much better end than having to be transported and the stress of being somewhere else.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

It's just a sign that you have a heart (not that those who can process their meat birds themselves are heartless -- it's just that different people react and deal with the situation differently). You understand that the turkeys are living beings and deserve respect and care. I wonder if you also feel a little like you'll miss these birds, as you've gotten to know these creatures while raising them.

Just hang in there... You've done your part, and now it's over, and there's nothing wrong with feeling a little sad about it.

 

[Mahonri]

I think processing birds helps us all be a little more grateful to our Maker who has provided them for us.

 

[becky3086]

I think you have to look at them as meat right from the beginning, then it doesn't bother you so much.

 

[Black Feather]

Quote:
As much as I would like to be able to do it that way, I'm afraid it doesn't work for me. After hatching them in the incubator and raising them for seven months I get somewhat attached no matter what I do. It's the nature of the beast I'm afraid and everyone is different.

My coop will be better off without them as well. Three extra male turkeys eat and poop a lot not to mention they were starting to fight amongst themselves. It's better off this way no matter how much I don't like it.

I just got home and I guess the deed is done. Such is the cycle of life.

UC

 

[gretchenhau]

we were going to raise meat birds, then we weren't, I am too attached to what I raise, so, no meat birds for me. And the evil cukoo marans are going to find a home. they are mean.