[Bodger]

I recently saw a post by a Johnny Rambo type character on how to joint a rabbit. Well I ask you? He'd got 4 of the most evil looking knives, an axe and a humungous meat cleaver :shock:  :shock:  :shock:  
These are the tools that I use



Even the secatuers are a bit of overkill, as you can snap the bones of the feet and cut them off with a knife.


Cut the feet off with the secateurs at the equivalent to our wrist.


and tidy up with the knife.


Don't forget to do all four :-)


I always cut the tail off at this stage.


Now this is the bit where you need to take a bit of care. Pull the skin up and nick it with the point of the knife being careful not to go into the body cavity.


Then just widen the hole with your fingers.


The you just peel it like a glove.






Pull the fur right down over the head and then just cut the neck right the way around with the knife.


and just cut the head off.


I always use the secateurs or a knife to cut down through the pelvic region.

JOINTING


I use a knife to cut the back legs off.




Two nice joints - voila  :thumbup:


Then I cut the ribs and forelegs off.


Which leaves me with the fore-quarters and saddle. I dont cut the front legs off, simply because they are just too small but this leaves 4 nice joints.


The bit in my hand is the tail bone which I got rid of.
The whole process took about 5 minutes and more to the point I still have all my fingers.

[Fenland Girl]

Great pics Bodger - I assume you take all the inside gubbins out just before the 'Jointing' bit?

[DD.]

The carving board you're using, Bodger - is that a picture of the kid who's pet rabbit you're skinning?

[Bodger]

Yep to both the last two questions.    

Here are two that i shot a couple of nights ago.

I've just skinned the rabbits. They are nice fat ones in good condition for the winter.



You can see that they are in good condition by the fat or suet around the kidneys.

[Ruth Cross]

The carving board you're using, Bodger - is that a picture of the kid who's pet rabbit you're skinning?

   

[babe]

really interesting bodger, i dont think i could do it. but a really clear and simple explanation for those who could.

[Bodger]

Are you ready for the deer next ?

Only kidding  I've never done one

[babe]

look thumpers history but bambi's siblings havent hurt anyone :evil:

[David.]

You're lucky - as we don't eat any meat other than fish, when I shoot one/dog catches one, I have to prepare it in the garden, and then it's only for dogfood:



All the 'trimmings' go to the Red Kites at the allotment. It appears they may nest close to the boundary this year.

[wildeone]

You're lucky - as we don't eat any meat other than fish, when I shoot one/dog catches one, I have to prepare it in the garden, and then it's only for dogfood:



All the 'trimmings' go to the Red Kites at the allotment. It appears they may nest close to the boundary this year.

NO please don't skin and portion the cute doggy!!!

[David.]

Once she learnt that if she caught a rabbit and gave it to me, that it would brought back home, skin, cook & de-bone it, she didn't eat them whole anymore!

[Aunt Sally]

That's just about the way I skin and paunch a rabbit Bodger.  But I'd not thought of using some old secateurs - good idea  

[Nikkithefoot]

I never thought of cutting off the lower portions of the legs before skinning. Must admit thiniking about it, would make the process easier, cos your not left with thumper with his mittens and leg warmers on! I guess you could use poultry shears rather than secateurs though, bit more finesse.

Just wish I had a good supply of rabbit.

Good set of pics though, easy to follow for those who have never done it before.

Thanks Bodger.

Nikki

[gobs]

And for whatever mad reason I thought you were a veggie, Nikki! :roll:  

[Nikkithefoot]

What me a veggie  :shock: ? Nope definate carnivore, but love experimenting and cooking veggie meals.

I'm getting worried now, I've been accused of being a veggie at work  :shock: . Do you all know something I don't? But I will take it as a compliment. Thank you.

Nikki