The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: wayfarer on September 23, 2013, 10:37:14 am

Title: How long should I hang a lamb?
Post by: wayfarer on September 23, 2013, 10:37:14 am

Does anyone know how long should lamb be hung before butchering?

Title: Re: How long should I hang a lamb?
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on September 23, 2013, 10:40:38 am

Ours were hung for 7 days. And were very splendid :-))

Title: Re: How long should I hang a lamb?
Post by: JulieWall on September 23, 2013, 10:50:11 am

We leave them overnight - just until the fat sets really. Ours are always mutton 2 years + by the time they're done and always tender so I never saw any point in hanging.

Title: Re: How long should I hang a lamb?
Post by: Fleecewife on September 23, 2013, 11:15:24 am

Ours, 16 month Heb tups and wethers, are hung for up to a week.  We find it does seem to make a difference.
 
I wonder if ideal hanging times vary with breed?  :thinking:

Title: Re: How long should I hang a lamb?
Post by: SallyintNorth on September 23, 2013, 11:25:35 am

I always ask for 5 days minimum, a week if possible.  Personally I think it will make a difference however young or old the animal.

Title: Re: How long should I hang a lamb?
Post by: Foobar on September 23, 2013, 11:34:35 am

I think it improves the flavour, I aim for 7 days but don't always get it, usually more like 3.  7 is definitely better than 3 :).

Title: Re: How long should I hang a lamb?
Post by: Hillview Farm on September 23, 2013, 08:50:28 pm

My 3 month old ram lamb was hung for a week and he was/is lovely!  :hungry:

Title: Re: How long should I hang a lamb?
Post by: Hevxxx99 on September 24, 2013, 09:12:28 pm

I have mine hung for a minimum of 10 days, but preferebly 2 weeks if the abbatoir don't get too twitchy about it.  Mine is hogget or full blown mutton rather than lamb and it is always tender and flavoursome.  I'd have lamb hung at least a week.