Maine's Own Off-Topic Thread -- Pt.2 (Calais: loan, nurses, classes)

[Submariner]

I was hessitant on posting this as the topic might be considered rough in some circles.



butchering method

I catch the bird [or rabbit], and tie it's feet with a rope. Tie it good, real good [I had a problem until I got just the right knot].

Then I suspend the bird from a tree, up against the trunk. Once they are hanging like that a minute they are very calm. I pet and stroke them and I talk to them to calm them.

Then I use pruning shears, their neck in the pruning shears and up against the tree bark.

They flap a bit and drain, but no dirt gets into it.

For turkey, chicken, and rabbits, I find that this method seems to be the easiest for me; while being calming and quick for the animal.

When we are doing a big bunch, I can take one inside while the next one is draining. give each one a few minutes to drain while we are gutting and dressing the previous animal.

[RANGER.101ST]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

I was hessitant on posting this as the topic might be considered rough in some circles.



butchering method

I catch the bird [or rabbit], and tie it's feet with a rope. Tie it good, real good [I had a problem until I got just the right knot].

Then I suspend the bird from a tree, up against the trunk. Once they are hanging like that a minute they are very calm. I pet and stroke them and I talk to them to calm them.

Then I use pruning shears, their neck in the pruning shears and up against the tree bark.

They flap a bit and drain, but no dirt gets into it.

For turkey, chicken, and rabbits, I find that this method seems to be the easiest for me; while being calming and quick for the animal.

When we are doing a big bunch, I can take one inside while the next one is draining. give each one a few minutes to drain while we are gutting and dressing the previous animal.

dont be hessitant forest your just posting a humane way to harvest your food for the winter.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by RANGER.101ST

dont be hessitant forest your just posting a humane way to harvest your food for the winter.

The right tool for the right job.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by starwalker

well I never did wimp out on this part of farming. Didn't have much choice; when we were homesteading, I was married to a city slicker. He finally learned to do such things but was never any good at it. And I never batted an eyelash.

I'll be glad to come up and help butcher both chickens and turkeys.

I can do it but if there's any way out of it I don't. I haven't for a long time. Once it's dead I'm good to go. I can pluck and gut with my eyes closed thanks to doing it hundreds of times. It's the killing I struggle with because I worry about not doing it instantly. I botched it with a rabbit once and it was horrible. The only animals I've killed since then were suffering. I worry about all this but at the same time I can look at the poults and think they're cute while being very clear that they're food.

[starwalker]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

I can do it but if there's any way out of it I don't. I haven't for a long time. Once it's dead I'm good to go. I can pluck and gut with my eyes closed thanks to doing it hundreds of times. It's the killing I struggle with because I worry about not doing it instantly. I botched it with a rabbit once and it was horrible. The only animals I've killed since then were suffering. I worry about all this but at the same time I can look at the poults and think they're cute while being very clear that they're food.

Yeah, I can understand how a botched rabbit butchering could do it to you. One of the pet rabbits that K and his late wife had met with a horrible accident -- ended up breaking its back, I don't really recall the details -- but he has said in no uncertain terms that he NEVER wants to hear that sound again.

I'll am quite willing to come help. Just think of me at your friendly neighborhood barbarian <g>.

[starwalker]

on a different note, anyone in my neck of the woods happen to have a mature lavender plant from which they could share a tablespoon or so of fresh leaves?

I am making that herbal/vinegar bug spray for the black flies that was mentioned elsewhere on the forum and I did not find any of the dried stuff when I picked up other dried herbs and my new live one grudgingly yielded a tablespoon... I had to leave her something to grow with...

[peachie_in_maine]

I have a weak constituation.... I couldn't do it.

I can't hold the baby either MW.
If I hold it, I will name it.
If I name it, I will love it.
If I love it, I will beg you not to hurt it.

My Pappa had a farm in Kentucky and I only ate bread and veggies. I just couldn't bring myself to eat the animals I knew and played with.

Tami~peachie

[RANGER.101ST]

Originally Posted by peachie_in_maine

I have a weak constituation.... I couldn't do it.

I can't hold the baby either MW.
If I hold it, I will name it.
If I name it, I will love it.
If I love it, I will beg you not to hurt it.

My Pappa had a farm in Kentucky and I only ate bread and veggies. I just couldn't bring myself to eat the animals I knew and played with.

Tami~peachie

we use to name ours to, lets see there was monday night's supper and tuesdaynight hamburg.oh and can never forget saturday morning bacon he was the best.

[Submariner]

Chevron [Chevy for short], pork, roast, sausage, pork chop, ribs, T-bone, and of course Stew.

[mollysmiles]

take a peek at this!

https://www.city-data.com/forum/about...es-social.html