Today was the big day- 15 chickens have been processed and frozen. I'm glad that's over for several reasons- we had entirely too many roosters and the drama was beginning, we had too many chickens period, we now have lots of yummy healthy chicken in our freezer that were always humanely treated (and sometimes pampered) , and mostly- I did it! I have been apprehensive about being a part of the processing, and until we had 15 to do Chuck has taken care of it all. It really wasn't bad- the worst part since we were not doing the whole group was I was one that decided who lived or didn't. So of the Delawares, we're left with 1 rooster, hereafter known as "Spaulding" and 6 hens. We still have the mystery chick and the Araucanas from this order.
We are VERY appreciative of our helpers- Chuck's parents and his karate instructor. We had a good system going and it only took us a couple hours- excellent for our experience level. Chuck dispatched, Keith skinned and Sue and Crendell gutted. I wrangled, delivered and held birds through all stages. Madison barricaded herself in the house, but Willow came out towards the end and looked at all the internal organs (she's been fascinated with how our body's work recently).
Afterwards, we all had a yummy vegetarian lunch!
For the future, due to the temperature and humidity both being about 90, we're going to schedule large processing days for cooler weather. Blech. All in all though, a really good day.
How is Rupert adapting to farm life?
ReplyDeleteRupert is doing great! He learns quickly and is super sweet.
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