[Jane-M]

I do they same with pigeon but cant bear to see the meat from the bigger birds go into the bin

BIN! BIN?  stock please; and soup; and stew. Just chuck the whole kit and caboodle into a big pot with bits and yummy.

[oddpaws]

Yeah but you still have to get the feathers etc off

[Moco]

Oooh, that was such fun.  I really want to do it all over again.  Now. 

Not.

Hey ho.  But I guess they'll be good to eat.

I am never, ever leaving them again.  They get done straight away, or not at all.

[cathangirl]

Moco, I have learned some more from this thread, so all your hard work has not been in vain.  Thank you.  Never thought to let the carcasse cool before gutting.   
Hope your birds are tasty.
I have five young cockerels to see to between October and December.
cathangirl

[Moco]

cathangirl.  I'm really glad you've got something out of this...I always seem to be the one asking for help, not providing it!!

Yes, it is much, much more pleasant to gut them once they are cold.  Providing you don't leave it as long as I did!!

Good luck.  Hope it all goes OK!

V