Frequently Asked Questions…
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How Do I get a processing date?
Please call 715-949-1108 to schedule a date.
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How early should I set up my appointment?
Processing appointments fill up very fast and we recommend scheduling as soon as possible and checking with us before you order your chicks to make sure we can fit them in. Smaller batches of birds are easier to fit in than larger batches of birds, but always a possibility that we can’t fit them in exactly when you want them processed. we recommend scheduling your butcher date well in advance usually January to March depending on flock size and when you hope to process.
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Is there a minimum amount of birds?
We don’t have a minimum, you can bring one bird and you pay per bird processed.
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What happens if I have less birds than I scheduled?
We know losses happen, we get that! However for us to keep scheduling efficiently we need to know if your numbers have changed drastically! We do have a waitlist all season of people still wanting to get in on specific dates. Please update us AT BARE MINIMUM 7 days before your processing date if not right when your significant loss has happened, DARN PREDATORS!
If less than 75% of scheduled birds are delivered with no advance notice or cancelation without a 1-week prior notice we will charge a $50.00 penalty.
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Do you process any waterfowl?
We do not process waterfowl at this time.
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Do I need to take birds off feed before butchering?
YES!! Birds need to be taken off of feed at a minimum of 12 hours before processing. There will be a $0.50/bird penalty on birds with full crops.
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When do I need to drop off my birds by?
We receive birds from 6:15 am to 7:00 am the morning of your processing date. We start processing right at 7 am and if you show up later you will have to unload your birds yourself and there won’t be someone to answer questions. If you are later than 8 am we may not be able to receive your birds and you will need to reschedule.
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Do I need to bring live birds in crates?
Yes! USDA inspectors require poultry to arrive in an approved crate and they have to be alive to go through the processing process. If they are not alive they will be deemed dead on arrival and you will not be charged for DOAs. We do offer crates and cages for your use once on property.
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How many birds fit in a crate?
This varies based on the size of birds, but in general, we say 9-12 chickens per crate is good spacing.
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Can I get my farm name on the label or have a custom label?
You can get your farm name on the label, there is a one-time setup fee for that. We can use custom labels but you have to order them and they have to fit our machine, this should be discussed with us prior to your processing date, best at the time of scheduling.
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What do I need to do if I am organic?
Please submit your current organic certificate to us, best at the time of scheduling. You will have a separate colored cutting sheet that will need to be filled out and you will need to have your birds to us by 6:45 am. All of these need to be done to be able to claim organic on your label. If you don’t have an organic certificate you cannot claim organic on your label!
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When can I pick up my birds?
Wait until we call you to pick up birds! Normally birds will be ready to pick up the next day. If you want fresh birds you will have to make that request and we can’t guarantee same-day pickup because of USDA regulations. Birds must be picked up within 24 hours of being contacted unless prior arrangements are made.
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How can I pay?
We accept cash and check as our preferred payment of choice, we do accept credit cards but there will be an extra 3.5% credit card processing fee.