Processing our feelings about processing...

[GLENMAR]

I’m picky about mine. The first time used a USDA butcher. I was happy with the results and the way I assumed the guy was killed.
The second time , I could not get an appointment, and the results from a backyard butcher were not as good. I will in the future take time to make sure I have a top notch butcher.

 

[RR Homestead]

Do not expect them to do it right. Mine claimed they did, whole time kept saying things like "omg, he never gets it wrong, they always drop the first time, blahhhhhhh", then he failed to bring the right equipment, tormented my bull, I had to bring out my heavy artillery for him to use and get it done! He chased him all around the farm, through a few fences, a few failed shots hit like BBs, just terrified him.
Had nightmares over it for a month+.
Force them to use "overkill" than claim less can work. "Can" is not good enough.

I've heard stories like this so many times. Very frustrating. I've had good slaughter guys and bad slaughter guys. We used to "tip" ours every time he was out as well as take pretty much everything from the animal so he loved us and happily fit us in when we needed him. We always had the animal ready for him when he showed up and there was never any drama. He moved to Alaska to escape the insanity here and things haven't been the same since. Started making myself do them all from then on. Last guy we had out shot our steer but did a bad shot. "That never happens". It does even to professionals so that really irked me he'd say that. Steer dropped then as I was moving in to move the rest of the cattle out (wilder steer so we kept a group just outside his pen until dispatch was over) he hopped back up and the slaughter guy shot him again. With me directly behind the now standing steer. Unacceptable gun handling. I can forgive a slightly off shot as those of us who've done it have all had it happen at one time or another but shooting with me in the line of fire is a major no. We now personally do our own processing. It is incredibly hard for me to pull the trigger but I have no one to blame for any mishaps but myself when it's just me. I have gotten to the point of if I'm going to eat it I need to be responsible for it's life and death. It was a process though. Not something I would ever expect someone to start out doing. I truly believe in having the animal in a situation that is normal at the time of processing if at all possible. Just another day for it that animal. That's just how we do it. We don't want stress before processing. Nothing wrong with hauling in or changing routine. It's just a personal preference.

It's definitely worth it to use the appropriate caliber to get the job done correctly the first time. We've done quite a few pigs here along with the occasional goat and even a sheep once. Only had one bad experience by a man who bought a hog from me and wanted to dispatch it here and take it home to butcher. I expressed concern before he started but "great hunter" assured me it would be a one bullet experience. It wasn't. He bought several more pigs from me over the years and from that point on brought a larger caliber rifle to do the job.

Done correctly they drop on the spot. There will be muscle twitches which is perfectly normal. With some experience you learn to compartmentalize the feelings and appreciate the animal in another form. Beloved livestock while standing - meat when down.

Good luck. I hope it goes well

A properly places shot is key with most any caliber. I NEVER trust a "great hunter". There's a major difference between standard heart/lung shots for hunting vs processing a domestic animal in a pen. Last time I let someone we know and shoot with often process their hog here the shot wasn't properly placed. Had to take a second shot. This person hunts yearly and is very successful. Even a firearms instructor. It happen to us all. The key is trying to do everything possible to prevent that and not getting worked up or delay a follow up shot.

We are having our first lambs processed next week, and I was hoping some more experienced folks could share how things went their first time so I feel less alone in my feelings and maybe better prepared…

We adopted 3 ewes whose owner had passed away, and 2 came to us pregnant (a Katahdin and an American Blackbelly, both bred by an Icelandic ram). Both had twins in April last year, 3 ram lambs and 1 ewe lamb. We initially discussed processing the ram lambs and keeping the ewe lamb, but decided that we didn’t want to shear every year, and we prefer to stick to strictly hair sheep. The Blackbelly’s twins also had horns, which we have found somewhat difficult to manage during handling (and also they broke them on a couple occasions, resulting in some bleeding). So, we wethered the ram lambs and planned to process between 6-10 months. Later last year, we briefly entertained the idea of keeping them all as pets/lawnmowers, but it’s been a very dry winter and we’ve still had to be supplementing with hay even this late in winter (we’re in California, so our grazing season is opposite some other places). So, to save on feed and not have to shear yearly, we’ve decided to process while they’re still under a year.

We are having a local professional ranch butcher come out to process for us, since we’ve never done it before. I asked about methods, and he assured me that a humane end is a top priority. He will be shooting them before bleeding out. I feel I would be doing them a dishonor by not being present for the process, but I worry about my ability to withstand it. I eat meat, I am not a vegetarian or vegan, and I feel that I have a responsibility to understand the ramifications of my meat eating. I have great respect for the animals that provide our sustenance, and I consider it a privilege to be able to raise my own meat and have happy, healthy food that was deeply cared for in life and never knew cruelty or confinement. But I also have OCD, and struggle with intrusive thoughts and replaying/ruminating on traumatic events/imagery, so I worry that what I see may keep me up at night.

I would like to hear from others, about your experiences, what it was like the first time, how you felt afterward, what went better/worse than you expected, and what you learned or might do differently? Sorry in advance if anyone thinks this is silly, I can be quite emotional and sensitive about these things but I don’t necessarily consider that to be a bad thing. I was a vet tech for over a decade so I have seen many animals die, not always peacefully, but since I’ve raised these lambs from birth it feels different for some reason.

I applaud you for this post. Love how you are feeling and the emotions you are tackling. To this day every single animal we do I get emotional about and we've been doing it my entire life. I thank every animal for it's sacrifice for our family immediately after death. I take comfort in knowing I have done everything possible to ensure the animal doesn't have a bad day. Things happen. That's just how it goes but I do everything I can to prevent any bad moments. We also try and use or give away to someone who can use all parts possible on an animal.
I would encourage you to be there. Even if you just turn around when the shot happens. Face the emotions head on and find a way to address any that bother you. You won't see the actual dispatch if you turn around but you will be able to slowly take in all that goes with it. Then if there's an issue with the shot you won't witness it yourself and can stay turned around if necessary. I think with your history you'll be ok once the shot has happened. If it helps have a towel ready and have the slaughter guy or your husband cover the head so it's a little less personal once it's down.
No matter what you choose it will be hard and I applaud you for trying to work it out.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

A properly places shot is key with most any caliber. I NEVER trust a "great hunter". There's a major difference between standard heart/lung shots for hunting vs processing a domestic animal in a pen.

This guy was using a 22short on a boar hog, from a distance. Nope - not gonna cut it! He was very sure that a shot into the ear would do it. Said he'd done it lots of times - nope - that didn't work either. Like you - I do our processing now. I put some corn/feed down and they go out with their mouth full of their favorite stuff. Make an imaginary "X" from opposite eye to ear and shoot at the intersect point. Quick, humane and very effective.

 

[SteepedInSheep]

Make an imaginary "X" from opposite eye to ear and shoot at the intersect point. Quick, humane and very effective.

That's where my husband aims. Drops them every time, if the shot was accurate.

 

[Baymule]

I’ve raised sheep for 10 years and always sent lambs to slaughter. I just couldn’t do it myself. I’ve slaughtered all kinds of animals from Quail to hogs and deer. Finally a few months ago I slaughtered 3 lambs. A neighbor dropped them with one shot in the back of the head, we hung them on my tractor bucket and processed them. It was a great relief to finally be able to do it myself.

I pray over my animals. I thank them for their life, for the life giving meat they provide and I thank God for giving me the knowledge and ability to raise, slaughter and process for the freezer.

You do you. There is no right or wrong way, there is the way that suits you.

 

[ConcernedSheep]

I applaud you for this post. Love how you are feeling and the emotions you are tackling. To this day every single animal we do I get emotional about and we've been doing it my entire life. I thank every animal for it's sacrifice for our family immediately after death. I take comfort in knowing I have done everything possible to ensure the animal doesn't have a bad day. Things happen. That's just how it goes but I do everything I can to prevent any bad moments. We also try and use or give away to someone who can use all parts possible on an animal.
I would encourage you to be there. Even if you just turn around when the shot happens. Face the emotions head on and find a way to address any that bother you. You won't see the actual dispatch if you turn around but you will be able to slowly take in all that goes with it. Then if there's an issue with the shot you won't witness it yourself and can stay turned around if necessary. I think with your history you'll be ok once the shot has happened. If it helps have a towel ready and have the slaughter guy or your husband cover the head so it's a little less personal once it's down.
No matter what you choose it will be hard and I applaud you for trying to work it out.

Thank you, I think I am learning it will probably never be “easy,” but that it may get easier the more practice I get. Just like euthanizing animals when I was a vet tech, it never gets easier, but you learn how to process it and find a place to store it where it doesn’t hurt all the time. I appreciate your perspective, and the perspectives of everyone who shared input on this thread. You’re all lovely people, and I feel extremely validated in my emotions and strengthened to face a difficult day on Thursday. For those who are interested, and possibly for the edification of any other newbies who might come across this post, I will come back with input and share my experience after the fact. Thank you all

 

[RR Homestead]

I think if I stop being upset when I process one of our own it will be time to hang up my hat and walk away. Everyone is different. You'll figure out how to handle it in your own way. Like praying and or thanking the animal for their sacrifice to feed your family. You'll figure out your own way of being at peace with it. It will take time. Be ok with the emotions. For me at least it does help knowing they've lived their best life possible at our hands. The end is quick and as stress free as possible. Even animals I'm glad to see go like problems who escape fences or something I still get emotional inside. It's taking a life. No way around that for me.
I do hope you'll let us know how your feeling when the time comes. I know so many of us here will understand the flood of emotions and may have words to help ease the feelings a bit or at least give you huge online hugs and support. I do fully believe this thread will help others in the future as well.
We will be praying for you during all of this.