The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: nic99 on May 15, 2012, 09:51:19 am
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Well, Rocky, my very aggressive RIR cockerel was finally dealt with this morning. Everyone, especially me, is feeling a lot happier about not being attacked anymore. My other half did the deed at about 6am this morning before leaving for work. As it was so early I wasn't able to pluck him straight away (I wasn't in bed being lazy, just had many other morning chores to do, which took priority). He has been left outside in the shed and rigour mortis has set in. Is it ok to pluck and butcher him in this condition or do I have to wait until it goes away? If it is possible I would rather just do it now, as it is my first time and I am dreading it. I need to get it over and done with as soon as possible!
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Have a cup of coffee first ;) It might have relaxed by then. Don't think it takes long in chickens. And anyway - he's dead, can't attack you now. ;D
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Ha ha thanks! He is now plucked, still trying to work up the courage to gut him. I thought I would hate him enough to be able to do it, but seems I am more squeamish than I thought. His throat made a gurgling noise whilst I was plucking his neck and I almost screamed. I am such a wimp!
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If your not up to gutting just take the breasts off and legs. Should be enough for a curry or casserole. At least you have used him then and not gone to waste.
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It gets easier, but there'd be something wrong with us if we liked killing animals!
Another time, leave him to hang, he'll taste far better after a day.
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nic99 - Im a wimp too. Local farmer did mine with his Christmas turkeys.
A friend warned me that they make all sorts of noises. It had really freaked her out when she prepared her first few birds.
I think youre doing really well. :thumbsup:
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I found some renewed enthusiasm and his feet are now off but the enthusiasm rapidly disappeared again after that. I tried, I failed. I have now arranged for a knight in shining armour to come rescue me.
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I found some renewed enthusiasm and his feet are now off but the enthusiasm rapidly disappeared again after that. I tried, I failed. I have now arranged for a knight in shining armour to come rescue me.
It's not a 'he' any-more - it is food. That said, you're braver than I am! Well done so far. ;D
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I still hate doing it, as Jaykay says, if it wasn't there'd be something with your psyche. They do make some horrid noises.
Where does everyone hang their's during the summer months to stop the flies getting to them???
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No need to hang poultry anymore, cull, pluck, dress and rest in fridge for 2/3 days. :thumbsup:
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thank you kindly! :thumbsup:
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I am pleased to announce that there are now several peices of chicken in my fridge which will magically be transformed into coq au vin on thursday. Hurrah!
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:thumbsup:
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Well done :thumbsup:
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well done :thumbsup:
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Well done, I wish I could manage that :thumbsup: PM's on people, no problem, but I never looked on them as food :o ;D
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Just eaten him for dinner, very tasty too!
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I always found it better to pluck and draw them whilst warm , that way you don't have your hand in a cold clammy bird .
After the bird has been dead for 1/2 or so it still plucks fairly easily and if it is a tough old sod you can always skin it entirely then cut the breasts and legs off and use the carcass for a fantastic stock if slow cooked with onions , carrots and celery plus garlic etc. if you feel like that sort of stuff .
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I found an old Burco boiler being given away and dip my poultry in this prior to plucking, the feathers just rub out. Then I, as said, put them in the fridge for 3 or 4 days, depending on age, before eating or freezing. :yum: