[Charli]

Am new to the poultry idea, but we're looking at getting some hatching eggs. My OtherHalf has ideas to put the males in the pot- but has never killed anything in his life. I know how to dispatch chickens, but no idea what to then do (I've killed chickens to feed to other animals... but never butchered one, and I'm a vegetarian so I wouldn't even be eating them!). Any ideas of poultry butchery courses? Places to ask that may run such a thing? Preferably in the Derbyshire/Midlands area.

I've found very very expensive artisan-food type courses that involve a bit of butchery, but these are £100+ and I don't think he'll want help with the cooking aspect, just the butchery/dressing aspect. I'd like him to try the butchery thing and decide he doesn't mind it before i get eggs to hatch...

Thanks for any ideas,

Charli

[GrannieAnnie]

Hi Charli, and welcome.  It would help if you put your rough location in your profile so people can hopefully suggest courses near to you.

I know there is a lady who quite a few of our members have recommended, but I will go look for the details.  there are also a couple of threads on here with descriptions of how to do it, and if you are near enough to us in Lincolnshire, my OH can sometimes be persuaded to show people how to pluck, gut and dress. 

BRB

I'm back!!    Here is one of the threads I mentioned!

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=24637.0

[GrannieAnnie]

And thanks to John for this link which I couldn't find!

Alison Wilson http://www.chickenkeeper.co.uk/ Hampshire

Not sure if she has anything in your area, but a good place to start!

[Charli]

Thanks! Northampton isn't a million miles away, can probably persuede the Other Half to drive there.

I've found this one too (nowhere near me but it might be useful for someone): http://drchickencourses.co.uk/

[GrannieAnnie]

Good luck with it Charli!!!   

[Mum2mj]

Hi does anyone know anywhere in Surrey? I'm not having much luck finding anything - thankyou

[Debbieta]

Hi,
Just to say, it's great that so many chicken keepers are interested in this.  Luckily for me my daughter has taken on the job (age 21), and has been shown how to do it by her uncle.  She started with being shown how to cull and prep. quail and has then progressed onto chickens.  She has also dispatches male chicks for me too.  Well done everyone for taking it on I'm impressed by anyone who can do the deed with thought and care 
Ta Debbie

[GrannieAnnie]

Get in touch with Alison Wilson as above.  She is based in Hampshire, but she does courses all over the place.

The other thing is that if you google your most local Smallholder's Association, they can usually steer you in the right direction!