Click here for our 2011 Poultry Processing Prices  

FAQ's

•   We would like to sell our meat after it has been processed.  What do we need to do?

  • Any meat product that will not be used by you, must be processed under inspection or E2.

   

•   What is the difference between Custom Processing and E2 Processing?

  • Custom processing is when you use your own product at home after it has been processed.  E2 means Equal to Inspection. In E2 Processing, a state inspector is present to observe each bird before and during slaughter. If he sees issues with a bird, it will be flagged. If you are going to sell your product to anyone (farmer's market, friends, restaurants, meat market, etc...) then it MUST be done under inspection by a state inspector. Any product not processed under inspection cannot be resold.

   

•   When can I get my birds processed? What if I need them done with E2 Processing?

  • We process on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week.  If you will be requiring E2 Processing, that is done on Monday and Wednesdays, so please let us know when you call to schedule your birds.  We ask that you call a minimum of 2 weeks prior to when they will be ready.  We will need the number of birds to be processed at the time of scheduling.

   

•   When will I bring my birds for processing?

  • We will have you bring your birds the night before they are processed. For example, for a processing on Monday, you will bring your birds Sunday night.  In the heat it is best to transport birds during the coolest part of the day to decrease stress on the birds during travel. Anytime between noon and 9 PM is preferred.  If that won't work, please let us know

   

•   What is the best way to bring my birds for processing? 

  • Livestock trailers work well for large numbers of birds.  For a small number of birds, truck beds with mesh/wire covering work well.  DO NOT transport birds in toppers or enclosed dog kennels when it is hot out! They need airflow and should not be in direct sun. We have crates/cages that we will put birds in when they get to our facility.  We have crates that can be borrowed out to use for transporting birds as well. They are 2'x3' and 1' tall.  They stack on top of each other can be put into the back of a truck. They will hold 8 birds weighing 4-5 lbs. We also have a small trailer that holds about 200 birds.  It is free of charge to use but is on a first-come-first-serve basis.  If you bring your own cages, we will transfer your birds to our cages and send your cages home with you.

   

•   A few of my birds died while we were transporting them. Can they still be processed?

  • No.  We will not process dead birds.

   

•   When can I pick up my birds?

  • When you drop your birds off, we'll talk about what our options are for processing (giblets, cutting, etc...). They must be frozen before they can be sent home wit  you, so they can be picked up 24-48 hours after processing. Payment is due at the time of pick up. 

   

•   Do I need to do anything special when I pick my birds up?

  • Please bring containers to put them in (boxes, coolers, bags).

   

•   How big will my birds be and what is considered "normal?"

  • Chickens have been processed in a large variety of sizes.  "Normal" is usually between 4-5 lbs dressed. On average, a Cornish Cross Broiler will be about 75% of its live weight.  However, the older and larger the bird gets, the tougher the meat will be.

   

•   I have had people tell me to feed grit, do my chickens need it and why?

  • Grit is small rocks/pebbles/sand that chickens eat.  It is stored in their gizzard which is the organ that grinds the feed chickens eat. Chickens who are not fed grit will have small gizzards and won't grow as well as chickens who are fed grit.  Grit is available at any store that carries feed and will give you well grown birds.

   

•   Should I make sure my chickens have feed when I bring them?

  • Birds should not be fed for 12 hours before bringing them in for processing. They can have water available. If they are fed too close to processing, the feed is wasted in feces in the digestive tract and makes the birds more difficult to clean.

   

•   I have other questions, who should I contact?

  • Ron and Barb would love to schedule your birds to be processed or answer any questions you might have!