week 8. processed birds and made video

[trunkman]

GG, it is frustrating when you don't get the right spot and end up cutting feathers, I butchered the last 6 cornich rocks yesterday, I had sharpened 6 knives just to make sure I wouldn't be using a dull one on any of them, it didn't matter on one of them because I ended up cutting through feathers and had to saw again, another thing that went wrong is that the chickens were a bit large for the cone I had just bought so I had to reach up the cone to cut them so I had to basically feel for the right spot to cut. I felt good about how it all went except for that one. I'm also finding that the more I butcher the better I get, I can do 3 per hour now with no problems so it is getting better.

Keep trying, it'll get better...

 

[gg706]

3 per hour seems pretty good! Thank You for the info! It will help me for next time. I believe I have 3 male chicks right now that will need to be butchered when the time comes. They are not cornish they are 1 Australorp and 2 Golden Laced Wyandottes. I am planning on eating them. If one is especially friendly he may get to stay as long as he keeps his manners.

 

[aroo2many]

GG - I think having a good knife is helpful. If you are going to be processing meat birds then it's worth investing in a knife. And by investing, I don't mean expensive, but buying the right knife for the job and having it just for that purpose. I'll see if I can find the name of my knife or at least a picture of it. I'm sorry that my notes & photo were not able to help you locate that sweet spot on thier neck. A mature rooster (especially a non-meat breed) is a tough kill even w/a good knife. Your emotions at the time probably didn't help you any either.

 

[gg706]

The picture did help. I was in the "right" spot. He was a 1 year old araucana and had very thick feathering on his neck and his skin was TOUGH! My knife was just a kitchen knife so I do not think it was sharp enough to cut it. I might have been able to cut it if I sawed a bit, but I got stressed out and just went for what I used in the past when I had to cull an eggbound hen. I would love to see pics of the knife you use so I have an idea of what to look for. I figure even if I am not going to butcher all the time. There will be a time when I need to put a chicken down for one reason or another. I do not really like using the loppers I think it may possibly squeeze a little although it would be quick because the head pretty much comes off immediately. It works but may not be the best way for the chicken.

 

[aroo2many]

This is my knife and vent shears. Both were purchased fr Zorotools.com. I paid $30 total I think included shipping. The knife is described as "poultry knife 3.25 inch Ergo clip point". The handles come in 2 sizes so it was nice to be able to get a smaller size for girly hands. Also the handle material is textured and shaped to give you a good safe grip and more control.

 

[gg706]

Thank You so much for the pictures and info! You have been very helpful! I am going to purchase the same! Thanks!

 

[trunkman]

Aroo, what do you use the shears for, and does your knife stay sharp enough to process several birds?

 

[srm220]

this is what I use

 

[gg706]

Never thought about a box cutter, that would work well too.

 

[aroo2many]

Trunkman. I use the shears to cut out the vent. After slicing the skin above the vent I poke my finger through the fat layer and then tear a hole large enough to put my hand through. Then holding the large intestine w/my left hand I snip around the vent. Then I run my hand around the inside of the body cavity to loosen everything and pull it all out in one nifty little bundle. The shears have a metal ball on the tip of the bottom blade so you won't risk poking into the intestine. I wouldn't say they are a must have, but they are handy especially when you have inexperienced helpers.
Sorry that may have been more info than you were looking for. I had an extra cup of coffee this am so I am extra chatty
The knife is very sharp. I'm sure you could do several birds before sharpening. I do run it across a handheld kitchen sharpener after each bird Probably unnecessary and wearing down my knife. I'm sort of in a numb state of mind for the killing and just keep repeating my actions.