Why do we do it, when you can pay someone?

[Milliemay]

Quote:

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Seriously though, if there was a quality professional processor nearby that would do the job for only $1.25 per bird, I might ask myself the same question. I really don't know how or why anyone would be willing to do the job for such a low price, unless they've got a great mechanical set-up and do a large number of birds each day.

I usually have standard and mixed-breed roos to butcher, and I do them 4-6 at a time as they "ripen". It's not such a bad job, especially if I have someone helping, or even just there for company & to fetch tools. And like the others said, there is the satisfaction of accomplishment, and a real appreciation for the meat on your table.

Some folks ask me "how much would you charge for a processed bird?" and I tell them they wouldn't want to pay what I would charge them to make it worth my time to do it for anyone else, I'm just not set up for commercial production. BUT, if they want to learn the process of processing I'd be glad to show them how, with their birds or one of mine (if they'd just pay for the cost of its feed).

I don't know if there are any commercial chicken processors anywhere in South Florida. I'm in West Palm Beach and haven't heard of any in this area. But if there were one as inexpensive as your Amish and very close by, I might use them once in a while. Just not every time.

 

[Pheather Head]

My reasons for doing it myself.
I treated them good while they were alive. I should treat them right in their death too.
I used the local processor once.
I wasn't comfortable with the chickens stress level.
When I do mine here. I talk to them and hold them for awhile before I slide them into my cone. Most of them don't fight at all.
I thank them for their life and the meat that they will provide.
Sure it takes longer. I only do a few each time. I often just skin them since I do it on my own.
People probably think I'm nuts, But when I'm eating them. I thank them again

 

[deerman]

Quote:
The place I take mine , everything done in plain sight. 50 birds in 30 min. 2.00 each hard to beat that. Yes I know how, even larger animals I can, but my time is worth alot more than that, How long it would take to process 50 chicken ????? I can make more than the cost of the processing.

Neat family operation, from the 9yr old son, who place each chicken in the killing cones.

 

[Beekissed]

That is definitely hard to beat and I can see how much easier it would be for busy people. There is no one in my area that does this, so it not even an option for me. I have to do my own. I'm busy too but, when it has to be done, it just has to be done, ya know?

I think, if I had a larger volume of birds, I would think seriously about the $1.25 processing fee if the place was very meticulous in their processing.

 

[tulie13]

If I could have found someone nearby to process mine at $2 or even $3 a bird, I would have done it a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately there is NOBODY in my area that seems to do this. Not just at that price, but AT ALL.

I did find a BYC buddy that lives not too far, and I went over there with my birds and he showed me how. We actually did a few of his roos (had to catch them) and I ended up leaving mine over there for us to do this Saturday. My husband wants to learn how, too, and he couldn't make it last time. So good timing all around, I got a first lesson, and now we can both teach my hubby how.

And with 3 people, 8 roos shouldn't take very long.

So I have learned a valuable skill that I will probably need in the future, considering the state of the economy and the direction our country is headed in...

 

[simplyscrambled]

I did my first today, with the help of a friend. It was sobering, and I needed to experience it: in retrospect it would be too easy for me to bring them to someone else (IF there were such a person here! I couldn't find ANYONE that processes chickens in my area!) and I'd still have that same, safe distance to the reality of it.

Not to say, now that I know, if I found someone I wouldn't jump on 'em!

Ideally, I'd like to find a few 'processing' friends, where we could get together and help each other process birds, or do them all together. Time would go much more pleasantly with company on a necessary, but not necessarily pleasant job.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I just started a thread, "The Meat Bird Processor List", where you can add the names & contact info of the processors you know and use. Or know & avoid. You can also list yourself if you'll do it for a fee, or have equipment you will rent.

Especially list yourself if you're willing to be a Processing Pal for BYC members in your area. I'm in western West Palm Beach, FL and willing to help nearby members get themselves started.

 

[Milliemay]

The $1.25 is just for the labor, you also have to supply the ice and coolers, for 50 birds, plus packaging. I am a SAHM with 4 kids, so, like I posted before, anything we can do ourselves and save a little money, we do it. This is what works for us!

It is comforting for me to know my boys will know how to grow a garden and animals, and be able to put them in their freezer without depending on outside help. We also have 24 pullets, can't wait for the eggs! A little knowledge and common sense can go a long ways..... I am enjoying reading everyone's $.02. Thanks for all the replies!

 

[NancyP]

I haven't done it yet, but for me it will be a milestone, A step down a new path so to speak. I have spent my life as the city dweller growing up on meat coming from the grocery store without a thought for the true reality of it's origin. I would like to move in the direction of being self sufficient and responsible for my needs.
Nancy