Thread formerly known as Hatch day is today

[Iain Utah]

Thanks for the info!! I will pass it along to hubby. We'll see if he decides to attempt it. If so, I'll obviously give a full report on how it goes. Oh... and one more question. Is there a specific age you wait for them to be?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Iain, his face will be a photo moment if goes through with it.

 

[Iain Utah]

Yeah, hope someone is around to take the pic, because I won't be! lol

 

[Marty1876]

I have a milk jug with the enough top cut off to leave a 2" opening, and the bottem cut off also, taked onto a wall outside.. (only give the duck water that night and day) Qucikly but gently put the duck head down into the milk jug, and out the bottem. I use a very sharp knife, and hold the ducks head down firmly, and use the knife to remove his head. I let this drain, and rinse it off read well. After the duck is done bleeding, proceed to cut off feet then either remove feathers and down, or skin the duck.
Roast duck is delicious, but cook it so it can drain and not sit in its own juices.



Celtic, very sorry to hear about your hubby!!

Jaz, by the way, hubby is determined to kill a drake for eating. I have no idea why. In the 13 years I've been with him, I've never seen him eat/order duck. But I figured I'd ask... what is the best way to kill a drake?

Wow, if this is his first "dressing" as well, a duck isn't the place to start, but it is possible. Like Jazz said, fast is better.

 

[Iain Utah]

I think the most he has done is maybe clean a fish?? He has never hunted. He is the kind of guy that will set a mouse free instead of kill it.

I don't think he will do it, but we will see. He has dealt with a few serious pet death situations over the years and has always handled it stoically. IF he does, I want to make sure he does it how you guys do it. I have deep respect for you and know you care for your birds as much as we do.

 

[JazminesZoo]

I think the most he has done is maybe clean a fish?? He has never hunted. He is the kind of guy that will set a mouse free instead of kill it.

I don't think he will do it, but we will see. He has dealt with a few serious pet death situations over the years and has always handled it stoically. IF he does, I want to make sure he does it how you guys do it. I have deep respect for you and know you care for your birds as much as we do.

I guess thats why it is easy for me. To clarify ~ My animals have a great way of life, eat good, free range etc. So I think quality of life is very important. No matter what the end means is. Yes I am going to eat all my geese (someday) & my chickens/rabbits/guineas/&ducks, BUT they are spoiled & LOVED ALL THE WAY TO THE TABLE.

I have fished my whole life, having caught BIG ocean fish & sturgeon, way bigger than the birds/livestock we eat. They all pretty much all have the same anatomy inside & out .... fins/paws/wings ~ .tails/fins ~ legs / body cavity ~ same principle

 

[Wulfandwyn]

x 2 Celtic

I still haven't processed a duck...

my coworker did it and made curry. The curry was really good but the meat was tough. She said he was too old even though he was under 1yr. I have heard you need to rest the meat for a day first but my coworker never heard of that. I think 3of 5 ducklings I have are male so if I can't find new homes for them by 3 months (I read somewhere 3 months for muscovy is the best time) I will have to learn. I want to try it roasted next time.

Celtic, very sorry to hear about your hubby!!

Jaz, by the way, hubby is determined to kill a drake for eating. I have no idea why. In the 13 years I've been with him, I've never seen him eat/order duck. But I figured I'd ask... what is the best way to kill a drake?

 

[JazminesZoo]

Wow, if this is his first "dressing" as well, a duck isn't the place to start, but it is possible. Like Jazz said, fast is better.

I think he will be fine, the only way to learn is to just do it, And after the first time, everything falls into place. I also see I am a little more simple with my culling... Cut & dry so to speak. I have heard of the milk jug thing, but I always have hubby to help out & makes it FAST & easy squeezy

 

[Wulfandwyn]

Well I cracked and finally bought an incubator

, one of the styrofoam types, and once I get it I am going to have to do some hatching. I think my duck hens are too fat and broke some of the eggs I ordered

and that was my excuse for ordering it.

 

[JazminesZoo]

YES YES YES !!! Resting the meat is a MUST !!!! I did not even think to post that, thanks for reminding me!