Waste

[Sam208]

I got some xrocks comeing from MM sept 1. Was want to know how much waste is there to a chicken when butchering them. Is it like 50% like a beef?

sam208

 

[jaku]

It depends a lot on what you use. For example, some of my birds I skin, then cut off the legs/thighs, and breasts, and throw the rest away. That creates quite a bit of waste. Most I pluck and leave skin on, whole- less waste. You can get even more out of it if you like to eat some of the organs, cook the bones down for stock, etc. So, it's quite variable. As for a percentage, I don't know.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

i've got two stock pots going right now!

there's nothing wasted but the feathers (which technically you could compost) and the more icky organ stuff. we have dogs/barn cats so they get what gets cooked down - except for the bones.

lots of people cook down the feet - but i figure i'll work my way up to that
;-)

 

[ke_ben]

Up to 80% processed weight approx. or better, not like beef, but then again my dad always said that the only thing that his family wasted on a pig was the squeal

so it depends on what you call waste as previously stated.

Oh, and the feet, if you peel them and pinch the cuticles off are great in the stock.

 

[jaku]

Quote:
Oh I forgot about the feet! Definitely do it next time. I used all the feet in my last batch of stock, and they make it REALLY thick and good, because of the high levels of collagen.

 

[ke_ben]

What he said, and for the women folk, great hair and nails?

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

yeah yeah.. i know the benefits... but MAN!!!! the feet!!?!?

ok i have to have a girl moment here... and when we dress the poultry i'm on gut removal - you'd think i could hand it! but feet!?!? eeeeeeeeeeekkkk!!!! you'd think i'd man up. i worked with my grandfather in his butcher shop from the time i was 6 years old but.. i just cant do the feet....

;-)

 

[Sam208]

OK thanks alot yea i dont know if i could have feet in the stock are not.


thanks alot sam208

 

[Judy]

Chicken feet are sold in the grocery store here. $1.49 a pound, I believe.

 

[jaku]

You wouldn't even know they're in there- of course you have to clean them, but the only difference is super thick stock and a richer flavor. No sweaty gym sock taste, whatsoever. Frugal even skins his chicken feet, for those who are squeamish. I thought it was kind of gross also, but if you think about it, everything in the stock pot is pretty unappetizing, what with the hollowed out carcasses and all, then when it's done, hours and hours later, all the solids are just a bunch of mash anyway, so you can't really tell.