How to raise Backyard Chickens: [CHICKENS-101] Re: What to do with cockerels

No, I don't know how to do it. I've had advice from people who have slaughtered chickens and they all say, use a hatchet and hit a lot harder than you think you need to. There is less likely for me to botch it using that method. I think I also want to give them a shot of vodka!

My oldest son (23 tomorrow) read some book that took place on a farm that dealt with slaughtering as a normal part of farming and getting food. He agrees philosophically with me it is by far the kindest thing to raise my own if I am going to continue to eat chicken. He has volunteered to do the deed, and in fact wants to experience that part of preparing his food.

I've watched videos and have lots of books that explain it, but it's not quite the same as actually doing it the first or second time.

Before I got the chickens, the feed store assured me that they had some one who would slaughter them for a fee. I don't think I would have gotten them if I thought I would have to slaughter them myself.

I also have a neighbor who is an avid hunter. When the yearling fawn got caught up in my fence this February, he and his son field dressed it for me after the game warden shot it. They even took it to the place to have it processed for me. He might be willing to slaughter the chickens and dress them for a share of them. What would that be worth do you think? A 50/50 split? I am not going to have very many this year, so maybe I should put on my big girl pants and do it myself.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks.

Janet

--- In CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com, "Straight" <straight6@...> wrote:
>
> That's about it. The right time is when you have the time.
> Do you know how to do it?
>
> Diane S.