What will I need?

[dusica731]

Hose with spray attachment
2 Sharp knives
hatchet
non porous table top
Something to use as a cooler

Here's what I do:
*wring neck
*chop off head
*skin or pluck
*cut out organs (keep liver, gizzards, heart)
*cut off tail and feet
*rinse thoroughly
*put in container with ice or running cold water
*keep chickens on ice for 24-48hrs
*cook and eat

I place mine in a trash bag, inside of a container, and pour the ice on top.

Wring neck? Cutting off tail to remove oil gland instead off carving gland out? Also, freshly processed bird goes into bag or container while in ice bath not by itself?

 

[lollipopguild]

Wringing a neck. This isn't me. It's super quick, easy, and not messy. It causes an internal decapitation and every one in awhile a complete decapitation. You'll feel it when it happens. Just make sure to do it with a quick snap. Plus, you won't dull blades this way.

I cut the tail off because it's easier and we rotisserie ours. Having no tail makes it easier.
Freshly processed goes in a tub with cold water like this.



After I'm done I move all the birds into a plastic bag and cover with ice for 24hrs. Then I rinse again and package.

 

[dusica731]

Wringing a neck. This isn't me. It's super quick, easy, and not messy. It causes an internal decapitation and every one in awhile a complete decapitation. You'll feel it when it happens. Just make sure to do it with a quick snap. Plus, you won't dull blades this way.

I cut the tail off because it's easier and we rotisserie ours. Having no tail makes it easier.
Freshly processed goes in a tub with cold water like this.



After I'm done I move all the birds into a plastic bag and cover with ice for 24hrs. Then I rinse again and package.

They look great! I'm going to process mine today. Quick question, can I vacuum seal them and refrigerate them or should I wait to seal them before freezing?

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

They look great! I'm going to process mine today. Quick question, can I vacuum seal them and refrigerate them or should I wait to seal them before freezing?

I only vacuum seal or shrink bag the chickens the I'm freezing or selling. If I'm going to use it fresh in the nest day or two, I just let it set in a bucket of water in the fridge.

 

[LilyD]

You can do it either way but it is much better for your sealer if you wait for some of the moisture to leave the chicken before sealing. I have used the seal bags though and they work great with fresh chicken right after processing. Good luck.

 

[dusica731]

Our first meaty was nothing short of AMAZING! Juicy, fell right off the bone and full of flavor! The only conversation at dinner was when everyone was repiling their plates and raving about the chicken, lol! I couldn't have done this without all of the help here at BYC! Thanks again for ur advice and encouragement!

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

Awesome! Now you'll never want to eat store bought again.