Turkey processing

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
I was waiting for all the "ewwwww" blood etc. But his wife was taking pics of the actual killing part, hopefully we will get copies of those. He is an EMT with the city here and after the chop he was a little "messy" so to speak. I made the comment it was just like a day of work huh, and he said sometimes and thankfully left it at that. lol The scalding water temp was perfect (hard to do with a wood fire) so the feathers came out super easy that was a big help, his dad had done chickens before so the gutting was easy. Over all I think they had a good time, the wife works with Sharon so i'll get the dirt this afternoon. We sent them off with a deer roast and some quail to. They were pleased as could be with that.

Steve

 

[mississippifarmboy]

Quote:
It's a broad-axe, there are several different styles, most were used to square timbers by hand and lots were used by early ship builders and if you've ever seen a log cabin with square logs - that's the tool that was used! The handles were short and it was off-set to save your knuckles. We've sold several through our auctions this year and the cheapest one had a busted place in the blade and it brought $35.00 (I bought that one myself), the highest still had the handle and brought about $85 I think. Auction prices are wholesale because most of my buyers are dealers, so I'd guess they priced that one at around $150 - $200 in their shop. So you got a real steal on it!

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

I've always wondered how old it was? it looks like it's hand forged to me. It takes a razor edge real easy and the weight of it works like a charm on poultry.

Steve

 

[AlbionWood]

Is that really a broadaxe, or a hewing hatchet? The difference is that on the hatchet, the eye is inline so the handle is not offset. It is still used by some traditional chairmakers for certain tasks, like quickly squaring a rough baulk.

It's funny, I was thinking of using one of mine for killing turkeys too! But ended up cutting throats instead. A hewing hatchet will indeed take a sharp edge very well. Just don't ever grind a bevel on the flat side!

 

[Delmar]

Quote:
I was wondering if you could do it with flame. I was thinking of trying a propane torch. Is that a silly idea?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
I was wondering if you could do it with flame. I was thinking of trying a propane torch. Is that a silly idea?

Thats what I use is a propane torch. Works like a charm.

Steve

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Those turkeys might have some rare disease! You better send them to me for taste testing....... cooked, of course!

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Ours tasted wonderful, the other one went to be a fried turkey. haven't heard how it turned out yet.

Steve

 

[Tunastopper]

Quote:
How big are these Steve? Do you fish?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

I didn't weigh them but I would guess high teens.

Steve