What is a fair barter for processing birds?

[asher]

I do not think I can do this myself for various reasons so am trying to figure out what a good barter would be. I cannot find a processor around me (western NC). I was considering bartering part of the processed birds to the person that I find to process them. (Though I'd still be totally up for finding a professional to do it.)

I know I cannot do it here at my home. Not enough room, etc. not to mention nosy neighbors close by, among other things. A friend had mentioned doing it with me, but I don't think that's going to work out.

Would half be a good deal or no? I want them skinned so they won't have to do plucking either (which I hear is tedious and takes longer).

Any ideas? They'll be cornish x, btw. I wanted to order them as soon as we got back from vaca, but kind of want to find the person to do it BEFORE ordering them. heh I posted on craigslist looking for someone and instead found lots of other people also looking for a processor. *sigh*

 

[MissPrissy]

Are you saying you will feed them out and care for them until processing day then the person who will do the deed and dress them for you will get half of them for the physical labor of doing the pocessing?

If yes - VERY fair deal. It is a big job to dress out 25 meat birds.

 

[asher]

Yes, that's exactly what I mean.

I basically REALLY want to do this for my family and REALLY want to find someone to do it for me. heh So I'm hoping the more I offer, the more likely I'll be to find someone to do it.

 

[lilshadow]

I paid 2.17 per bird. The did everything, they even vaccum sealed and froze them for me. I delivered and picked up in two days. The place I go to will even bag the giblets for ya. If you could find a local farm to process them, that does it. Go to your local feed store and ask there.

 

[redoak]

How many birds would you have processed. If just a few (2-6) at a time, half the meat sounds reasonable. If your having 20 or more processed at once seems like half the meat would be a bit much in payment.

 

[asher]

Will probably order 25. I plan to freeze most of what I keep as we don't eat chicken all that often.

lil ~ I'd love to find a processor. I'd definitely drive a little distance for one, too. Just need to find one. (*sigh*

 

[Marlinchaser]

Take a road trip, the Menonite lady down the street charges $3 per bird, you get them back cryovaced and frozen. It cost 25cents extra if you want the giblets/legs/neck.

edited to add: factor in the time and gas and that should be about $20 per bird.

 

[asher]

I just came from Maryland, though! hehe Don't want to drive that far with stinky chickens in the van!

 

[Peruvian]

Twelve 5-6 lb birds would retail around here for $265 @ $4/lb (going rate a local farmer's market). That's awfully pricey for processing. Maybe you can agree on a flat charge ($75??) and then figure what the local value of the processed birds is to agree on how many to barter for.

When we barter we figure out a retail value of the items (chicken/eggs/beef) and then use that to determine how to fairly swap.

 

[asher]

Thanks ~ I posted on a local board and someone has put me in touch with a group where I may be able to find a processor locally. That will be preferable. Although I still have to order 25 birds and I'm not sure what I'll do with that many if they all make it to processing!