Trying to find the Executioner

My advice... stop calling it an executioner.

Look around your yellow pages for butcher shops, or processing shops. Check out your local craigslist, or see if your local feed store knows of anyone.

 

Seems to me it would not be cost effective to raise meat birds if one must hire outside to slaughter.

 

Most folks raise them, and up here in Maine we have a wonderful processor (I have never been there, I do my own birds) that most use, it takes one hour, you make an appt, bring your crated birds, and they tell you to meet them out back, when the birds are getting processed you place them in a ice filled cooler, I believe its $2 a bird at this particular place.
Don't judge folks that prefer to take their birds to an "executioner" (I thought it was cute- must be that New England humor) because when raising your own birds is so beneficial, you know what they have eaten-broiler feed with ground up animal protein or plant proteins, humanely and with dignity.
You cannot be sure of that when you purchase at a store, or eat at KFC (disgrace!). I do not soak in a brine, that making less sodium intake and that is important to our family.
So yes, the cost can be higher for these birds, but the rewards are greater then the cost.
Also, some folks have "Processing Parties" and they seem like great fun, you did good by posting here!
Good luck and happy chicken growin'

 

Quote:I also will be hiring outside to slaughter. Just can't do it myself, but would still like the benefit of having the homegrown meat that isn't pumped full of antibiotics.

Have you tried looking in the yellow pages on the internet for a meat processor? You might have to drive a ways to get to one, but there should be something around there. Try advertising on Craigslist that your are looking for one.

 

I also am considering raising meat birds but I know I could never to the processing myself. I thought I was the only one who would be looking for an outside processer!! I also am (well will be after the move) in connecticut, so let me know if you find your "executioner."

 

Hi..i live in mass...and i cant find an Executioner around us either!....and..i really...really dont wanna have to do it either....i'd pay the money in a second..to avoid it all....but...i fear, because i cant find a place around here..i WILL be the one with the knife!......

 

You might try going and watching someone else do a few birds themselves. Then, if it still freaks you out to do the killing but could do the other parts of processing, you might want to ask someone who hunts and processes their meat to do the "killing" and decapitating for you and then you actually do just the processing part yourself. While I have no issues with doing my own myself now, it was pretty overwhelming at first. I thought I couldn't do it, either. You might not have as much trouble with it all, if you stay focused on your actual goal of good, fresh, high quality meat. Getting someone to help me who didn't seem to have a problem with it, kinda eased me into the whole concept with less trauma. Now I can do it by myself without any help. The killing is definitely the worst part, and still is.