Thanksgiving Turkey Processing

[debir1966]

Ugh - we have not processed ours yet! We are in the middle of remodeling our new property and time is running out with the weather turned cold - hubby only home on the weekends and we dare not take a day to do turkeys or we are going to be fencing in the snow!

Their hatch date is May 29 - so they are just over 6 months old and HUGE! 2 BBW and 2 BBB - 1 hen and 1 tom each. We are hoping to get moved on the weekend of the 14th and get them processed the weekend of the 21st! I will post weights when the deed is done... may have to cut the boys in half to cook them!

What do you all package your turkeys in?!? We use 2 gallon Ziploc bags for our meat birds and 1 gallon Ziploc bags for our smaller birds... last year we used a big plastic bag and then wrapped in freezer paper - wondering if there is a better way?

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

I wrapped mine tightly with saran wrap and double bagged them in garbage bags.

Then thawed them in a five gallon bucket in the fridge.

 

[Buster52]

What do you all package your turkeys in?!? We use 2 gallon Ziploc bags for our meat birds and 1 gallon Ziploc bags for our smaller birds... last year we used a big plastic bag and then wrapped in freezer paper - wondering if there is a better way?

Individual:
http://www.cornerstone-farm.com/equipment/20x30-poly-bag/

Bulk:
http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-15119/Poly-Bags-Flat-Open/20-x-36-3-Mil-Poly-Bags

 

[katsdar]

I wrapped mine tightly with saran wrap and double bagged them in garbage bags.

Then thawed them in a five gallon bucket in the fridge.

What kind of bird was this one? looking to try a couple different ones this coming year. Mine was the BBB

 

[Buster52]

For scalding, I prefer electric. I built one of these with a fiberglass utility sink and a hot water heater element with thermostat.





To heat up the water faster, I use a bucket warmer, then let the thermostat on the scalder keep things even.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

What kind of bird was this one? looking to try a couple different ones this coming year. Mine was the BBB

He was a free ranged Broad Breasted White, 26 1/2 lb carcass

 

[SunnySkies]

Where do y'all get your starter birds? I got a Meyer's catalog last night and was looking at their turkeys, but the minimum number per order made me go ugh. Don't know if I want that many to start with, kwim.

 

[Buster52]

Check your local feed stores. Our Atwoods has carried about as many BBW and BBB as I have wanted to raise in the past, although we are upping the scale next year and plan to go with Murray McMurray. Mainly because we have been so happy with their meat birds.

 

[SunnySkies]

I have actually never seen turkeys at any of the local feedstores, just lots of chicks and ducks.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

Tractor Supply and Rural King have poults in the spring. I got mine at TSC but they charge an arm and a leg , not to mention they have a minimum purchase of 6
I'm either going to order them or pick them up from Meyer.