Corn the Rooster became our first homestead meat this weekend. |
He had to go. He was a great rooster, and was very protective of the flock. But he attacked us when we got eggs. He attacked us when we just went to hang out by the chickens. He flew up when I was outside of the fence a few times and tried to peck me in the face. He attacked Wife and Things #2 and #3, on several separate occasions.
He just had to go.
So, on Saturday, he went.
I built a small kill cone based off this DIY chicken killing cone tutorial out of some leftover scrap metal from the roofing project.
Corn went upside in this lil' baby. |
Corn the Rooster, post-processing. |
When it was all said and done, he clocked in at about 4 and a quarter pounds, shrink-wrapped.
4 pounds, 3.6 ounces, to be exact. |
The actual processing was an experience. I was expecting more blood during the actual cutting, but I guess since I led him out in the cone there was hardly anything left. I also had some trouble with the vent, which I alluded to earlier. That step could have used more clarification in the tutorial. It took me several tries making very small cuts to finally get it. I think with experience my confidence (and speed) will increase. I know there'a technique to it - I just need to find it.
All in all, it was humbling to perform. An animal that I raised from a baby gave its life so we can be nourished in ours. It's a profound thing to butcher your own animal.
This one has been helpful for me: http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Butchering-Ready.html
ReplyDeleteAwesome. That's a good one, with great pictures. Thanks for sharing!
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