The chicken harvest planning guide
Part 4 of 5 (with extra prologue) about raising your own chickens to put in the freezer.
So now we get to the harvest. It’s intimidating and honestly, I don’t like doing it. In fact, if other people in my family are willing and able I do opt out. I can do ruminants, but struggle with birds (so feel not guilt or shame if this is hard).
While you can source all the fencing equipment, just know it’s not necessary especially for a small family operation just starting out. Add things over time if you keep it up.
You basically need some type of cone, metal is great but even a traffic cone with the hole expanded will do.
And you can cut down the finished product into individual cuts and use freezer bags if you don’t want to buy a way to package the whole bird.
If you have the ability to pressure can, this is also a good way to make it shelf stable; however I wouldn’t recommend trying to do this the day of or the next day because the first job is already tiring and big enough!
This is the time to watch some videos on what it takes to boil, de-feather, and clean up a chicken. I am absolutely not the expert here and I will defer that knowledge. But this is the part of the series that I am walking you through what you need to consider and learn.
Know which organs you need to be extra careful removing or to not puncture, analyze videos of how people defeather by boiling or burning, see what processes people have and what’s easiest to replicate.
Know where the entrails and feathers are going before you get started; will you bury it or trash it?
Gather up things like big pots, hoses, tarps/shower curtains, knives, propane tanks, etc.. A lot of times getting an inexpensive brand new knife means having a good sharp knife every time. But it also can be a skill to know to sharpen what you have.
Action steps:
1. Gather processing supplies to buy, rent, or borrow
2. Watch videos and read tutorials on the actual methods of processing
3. Find a friend or two willing to help because having a person man each station is helpful
4. Make sure you have enough freezer space
Planning your chicken harvest can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be a manageable task. Start by setting aside enough time and preparing the necessary supplies, such as cones, knives, and large cooking pots. Watching instructional videos can provide valuable insights into techniques for boiling, defeathering, and cleaning your chickens effectively. Consider engaging friends or family to assist during the process, as having multiple hands can greatly improve efficiency. It’s also vital to decide beforehand what to do with waste, such as entrails and feathers, to avoid rushing through that part. Ensuring enough freezer space before beginning the harvest will help you handle the finished product with ease. Remember, practice makes perfect, and don’t hesitate to revisit tutorials for tips on the best processing methods. By giving attention to these details, your chicken harvest can become a more enjoyable and efficient experience, providing fresh meat for your family.
The broom stick method or hanging are great alternatives for a cone. I’m never using a cone again bc the one time I did it got waaaaay to messy 😆 I prefer to drain them immediately after the heart stops so when I cut into the neck I’m not sprayed with blood