What are your special "rituals" when you process chickens?

[Avalon1984]

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Wow, I will have to ask my grandma about that. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Frenchchickens123]

Usually I don't do anything but my last lot of butchering included my beautiful maran cockeral as I replaced him with another meatier bird (Sussex) I hugged and wept a tear or two as he was a really good roo who looked after the flock. I don't eat chicken on processing day either but it still leaves me feeling funny. I am very thankful though for the meat they provide it is lovely and nothing goes to waste as we have a st Bernard who loves chicken!

 

[KenK]

The only thing I do is try to make the birds last moments as calm as I possibly can. I take it off the roost before it flies down in the morning and tuck it under my arm on the way to the chopping block. After it is decapitated I hold it to keep the wings from flapping until it quits.

While I'm plucking and eviscerating I think about how I'm going to cook it and how delicious it is going to be.

 

[BigSkyChickens]

I'm not sure if you can call it a ritual, since I've only experienced 3 processing days so far.

I say "Thank you, Chicken." to each bird with as much humility and sincerity as possible. I think talking to them in a nice voice keeps them calm (I'm a dork and talked to them and petted them from day one).

I usually cry after the last kill of the day; I think it is the relief that it's done.

 

[oshun55555]

I thank my chickens and sing to them on the way to the killing cone. Grandmama told me when i was boy "respect the sacrifice of the chickens life for you, talking to them on the way to the kill, NEVER NEVER NEVER kill a chicken in front of the rest of the flock that is disrespect for the flocks feelings" I know she was a crazy old gal, but now i am a crazy old dude. I give my chickens a good life and respect and they lay down their life for me, got to grateful for that.

 

[oshun55555]

forgot to say that a couple of shots before helps you to say sweet things to them on the way to the kill.

 

[kfacres]

good food, good meat, good god lets eat... but gotta kill em first..

somebody, get the axe.

 

[Beekissed]

Yes...as a matter of fact, I do! I sharpen my knives.

 

[scoopy82]

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Probably the best ritual one could have!!!

I might take on some of these rituals when I pluck up enough courage to do my 7 roos, any day now . . .

 

[Avalon1984]

You all crack me up

Those are some great rituals and yes, sharpening the knives should always be part of it

Do you ever pick certain days? Or do you plan your processing according to the weather? I know my husband asked me once if I could please NOT process a chicken on Sunday so I do that. I do mine on Saturdays if the weather is nice or wait another week if its not.