We’ve talked about this day for months now, the day we usher aged laying hens from the coop to the dinner table. Yesterday was a milestone for us.
Looking at the process in the rear view mirror as we are now, we share some lessons for those who – like us – are harvesting chickens for the first time:
- Start early in the day
- Make sure your knife is really sharp
- Get the scalding water heating while you’re getting everything else ready
- Expect the chickens to complain loudly
- For small scale slaughter, don’t spend money on a killing cone or feather plucker
- Learn chicken anatomy
- Secure the dog
- Expect less meat, and expect it to be tough
Listen – 25:48
This morning after the slaughter, Amanda and I cleaned the coop thoroughly and put it up on blocks on the orchard floor so it can be ready for the young pullets now in our shop.