StillSmart

We have half a dozen wandering free for eggs, always.
As before, we bought in a couple of dozen day old chicks a few months ago, reared them free range, last week loaded them into a trailer, delivered them to a man with a plucking machine, he sent them back oven ready.
They are feckin fantastic.
Until I can afford the plucking machine myself, the extra cost is worthwhile.

Robert.

Ohhh Chooky.
So pleased for you...

We use the scalding method. No machine. All you need is a boiler, hose pipe, table, dustbin/trug for feathers and some long rubber gloves.

Hold by the head or feet and dip into scalding water. Pump up and down gently to get the water through the feathers. Probably takes 20-30 seconds. The 95% feathers will rub off. No need to do the head if you a cutting that off. Eviscerate after, rinse and freeze.

My happy girls keep us in eggs; I couldn't bring myself to eat them.

If you get the right breed they do both. But I do know what you mean.

What about a blow torch Mash that should do it

PETA would not be very happy

gaza the instructor wrote:What about a blow torch Mash that should do it

You are thinking pigs not chickens.

Danishhhhhhhh !!!!

I worked for a Danish Bacon Company from 1982 to 1986

The family's been thinking about keeping chicken. Are they relatively inexpensive?

Get layers and they will actually save you money in eggs

H12rpo wrote:I worked for a Danish Bacon Company from 1982 to 1986

Lean back.

H12rpo wrote:I worked for a Danish Bacon Company from 1982 to 1986

Lean back.

Racker wrote:The family's been thinking about keeping chickens. Are they relatively inexpensive?

Assuming that you have a garden large enough,and without pretty borders that free range chickens will wreck, then go for it.
Caged chucks are also an option but more work.
Our layers/home flock free range with an automatic light operated door to stop the fox eating them overnight.
A few chucks will eat up a lot of waste from the kitchen.
It is great for children, of all ages, to actualy see where eggs and chicken really come from.
I have 3 cockerels from the last broody hen's hatching to dispatch tomorrow.
It is not all pretty.
But usually tasty.

Robert.