slaughtering Coturnix

[Billyhill]

Hi, is it necessary to starve Coturnix prior to slaughtering?
If so, how long?
Thanks in advance.....................................Billyhill

[Pheasant Hollow Farm]

Hi, is it necessary to starve Coturnix prior to slaughtering?
If so, how long?
Thanks in advance.....................................Billyhill

Why would you starve the bird prior to slaughter? You want them as plump as possible.

If you were to be medicating them. I would slaughter 10 days after medication has ended to make sure it is out of their system.

Steve
Pheasant Hollow Farm

[stewaw]

I follow the typical poultry practice of removing food and water 24 hours prior to slaughter.  Removing the food simply allows their system to void wastes and is therefore somewhat cleaner.  By removing water you allow their system to dehydrate slightly (reduced/thickened blood volume), again....just makes things a little cleaner.

David

[aKirA]

I have not heard of that one before either but good info.

I simply just grab my birds as-is from their pens, pluck the neck area and cut. Let the blood drain then pluck, dress. Havent really had any issues.

[Billyhill]

Thanks David, I will follow your advice, and starve birds 24 hours prior to slaughter.