The Ultimate Poultry Processing Checklist for Your Homestead

If you’re raising meat birds, processing day is one of the biggest and most rewarding parts of the journey. Whether you’re stocking your freezer or filling customer orders, having the right setup makes a huge difference. We’ve put together this practical checklist so you’re ready to go when it’s time to get to work.

Equipment Checklist

• Sharp knives (boning or skinning knives work great)

• Kill cones or restraining cones

• Scalder (propane turkey fryer or large pot) and thermometer

• Plucking machine or hand-plucking setup

• Stainless steel or plastic processing table

• Buckets (for feathers, offal, and compost)

• Water hose with spray nozzle

• Clean towels or rags

Optional Items

• Poultry shears

• Thermometer for checking meat temp post-chill

• Chill tank or large coolers with ice

• Apron and gloves

• Tabletop vacuum sealer

• Shrink bags (pre-punched, BPA-free, poultry-safe)

Sanitation Supplies

• Bleach or food-safe sanitizer

• Dish soap

• Scrub brushes

• Hand sanitizer or handwashing station

• Clean water for rinsing birds

• Garbage bags or bins with lids

Packaging and Storage

• Shrink bags or vacuum seal bags

• Zip ties or heat clips

• Permanent marker or labels

• Scale (for weighing, if needed)

• Freezer or fridge space

• Inventory sheet or logbook (optional but helpful!)

Prepping Your Birds

• Withhold feed 12–24 hours prior

• Provide access to clean water

• Gather birds calmly the morning of

• Place in ventilated crates or cages near the processing area

Having the right tools and plan in place can make processing day feel less overwhelming.

Want to package your poultry like a pro? Check out our premium shrink bags! They seal tight, look great, and help preserve freshness in the freezer.

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