Trying to psych myself up to raising some meat birds.

[Denninmi]

Hello, all!

I really want to do this. I'm very much into the whole food self-sufficiency thing, and have had chickens for eggs on and off for years, but ... as some of you might have gathered from my other posts, I don't really kill things. Don't hunt, don't fish, that sort of thing.

As I said in other posts, cleaning them isn't the issue. I've cleaned chickens, ducks, pheasants that relatives have brought me already dead, that part doesn't bother me one iota -- ok, it bothers me a little bit when it smells bad, but hey, no worse than having to clean up the floor when the dog pukes or whatever! Just something to deal with and get over.

I want to psych myself up to doing this. The local feed store is taking orders for June and July 1st deliveries of poultry this year. So I have to decide in the next three weeks, because I think June delivery would be better than July delivery.

I am thinking about trying either 25 or 50 Cornish Cross, plus 5 BB white turkeys.

Now, mind you, I realize these birds are genetically doomed from day 1. So, if I get them, they will die, one way or the other.

I'm just afraid that -- what if I wimp out at the crucial moment? I've been trying to check into commercial processing in my area (burbs of Detroit) but just haven't really found anybody close by. There are a few places within a couple of hours drive, so I guess that is a possibility.

The other possibility is that I might be able to con one of my sisters and their husband to come over some weekend and help in exchange for part of the meat. They are all avid hunters and fisherman and would have no problem whatsoever with doing the deed.

But, I think with the state of the world these days, with food inflation, food safety issues, etc., this is something I SHOULD be able to do for myself.

So, how does a wimpy 46 year old dude that looks like Niles Crane and who gets all upset when one of his pet birds gets sick or injured psych himself up to raising and processing meat birds?

 

[Dogfish]

Just do it. If you are going to eat meat, either you will kill what hits your plate, or you will hire someone else to do it.

Also, rather than ordering from the feed store, order from a hatchery if you are getting that many. You might want to order now and get them next weekend. Raising CX in your heat and humidity may be an issue as you get to the end of July and August.

 

[TinaSwarr]

I had to tell myself over and over again that it was part of the process, not to sound heartless but for me it got easier as time went.. and at the end of all that processing it felt great to know that even if i could not afford to go to the grocery store for a couple of weeks I could still feed my family very well between the meat i raise and the garden products no one every had to be hungry......I also donate to other families when I know they are having tough times....When you get over this hurdle you will be glad you did!

 

[Country Parson]

I still don't like doing it. These are God's creatures, and while I believe it is OK to make use of them in this way, I still feel a deep respect for the life God has created. I was with some friends helping them butcher their birds and we sent a couple of teens to get more meaties. When they didn't come back I went to go get them and found that they decided to "hang" one of the birds from a post from its neck, like an Old West execution or something. The poor thing was chocking and struggling, and I was livid. While I'm almost always mild mannered, I must admit I unleashed on these boys. Thankfully, their parents were just as angry as I was.

I only share that story to stress how much I dislike killing and won't tolerate abusive treatment of animals (even animals destined to die). I don't feel guilty about killing them, but I still have to work myself up to it and want to make sure its done in the quickest way possible.

FYI, I still think chopping the head off is the best way for beginners. Its not as good for the meat and the blood doesn't drain as well, but its hard to go wrong. Even a bad chop will result in a bird that is dead almost instantly. I admit a better method is slitting the throat, but research that before you try it (there are some helpful youtube videos on this).

 

[jhmoore]

I had this problem too. I really like the fresh meat, and knowing where it comes from/how it was raised/what it was fed. But, I thought I'd have a hard time taking them to the processor. However, they get really nasty and ugly- so it makes it not so tough. Just keep in mind that most end up being roosters, and they attack your legs by the end of the growing period. There is a new processor opening in Fowlerville soon- Munsells (spelling?). They will start processing the first week of June. Hope that helps- good luck!

 

[Denninmi]

Quote:
Yeah, but they're way cheaper from the local feed store. Turkeys are going to be $4.50 and the Cornish X are going to be $1.25. That sounded like a really good price to me, no postage or anything. They have some hatchery in SW Michigan they get everything from, delivered by truck.

I don't think our weather here will be a problem. While we once in a while have some 90 degree plus weather, we often go many summers without it. Last year was a way warmer than normal spring, followed by a warm but never brutally hot summer. But, this year, spring is horribly cold -- high on Tuesday was only 44 at my place. Just like the spring of 2008 and 2009, both years when cold springs were followed by cold summers. I'm betting on a cold summer again this year.

 

[Denninmi]

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Thanks, I saw the new place in Fowlerville -- that was one of two I found. The other is up near Flint, I think in Corunna. I have it bookmarked at home.

It's a possibility.

 

[milleryardchx]

Think of it this way. they are treated better on your property than the store purchased chicken. And you know whats in their diet and no aditives or hormones. They have a better life and are better for your family. Plus not too long ago this was the only way to get chicken if you wanted some for dinner. We just found property we are buying... the same month I move in I will be ordering some kind of meat bird and my husband will be building me a chicken pucker. And i will never purchase meat again at the store about 6 months after I live on property.. I have processed a few mean roosters in the past. Its not bad but making yourself a chicken cone or purchasing one is helpful.

 

[Sundown_Farmer]

Maybe you should help someone first. That first time takes a certain level of intestinal fortitude. Even if you're handed a dead bird...the work is hard. "Cut here, not there, rip this, pull that, don't rupture that green thing, put your hand in here, scrape out those lungs." Youtube is great and I love this forum but neither can substitute for time working with a mentor. Go it alone the first time only if you have to. Again, killing the bird is only emotionally difficult. You've still got real work to do after that.

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It doesn't sound heartless. That's just how it is. Everything turns to callous eventually. That millionth ride on a roller coaster just isn't as thrilling.

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Amen. A dead bird is still a dead bird but managing that transition is an important part of stewardship. It's an important part of honoring the creator. From chick to chill tank, we seek to be respectful of creation...including the people doing the work.

 

[galanie]

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Teen boys can be so horrible! But I've noticed they are much less horrible if solo. One of those kids by himself probably wouldn't have done that. Glad these guys got unleashed on! Maybe send one at a time next time.