For small-scale or nonprofit homestead operations
🛠️ General Setup
- Flatbed utility trailer or fold-out processing table
- Pop-up canopy or shade tarp
- Food-grade water storage tank or jugs (min. 5 gallons)
- 12V water pump or gravity-fed system
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Extension cords / Power strip
- Gas generator or portable battery station
- Propane tank(s) and regulator
- Handwashing station (camp jug, soap, paper towels)
🔪 Kill Station
- Chicken killing cones (metal or plastic; 3–4 minimum)
- Cone rack or mounting board
- Blood catch bucket (with lid if transporting)
- Sharp boning knife or poultry knife
- First aid kit
- Apron (waterproof or disposable)
- Disposable gloves
♨️ Scalding Station
- Large scalding pot (40–60 quarts)
- Outdoor propane burner (turkey fryer-style)
- Propane fuel source
- Candy or meat thermometer (range up to 160°F)
- Stir stick or hook for dunking birds
- Metal stand or platform for pot
🪶 Plucking Station
- Chicken plucker (drum-style or hand plucker)
- Spray hose or rinse bucket
- Tarp or drain system for feathers
- Collection bin for feathers
🧼 Evisceration Station
- Food-safe table or cutting board
- Boning knife and backup knife
- Gut bucket (with lid)
- Cooler with ice water bath for finished birds
- Zip-top bags or vacuum seal bags
- Trash bags or compost bin for guts
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Labeling supplies (markers, stickers, scale)
🧊 Chill & Packing
- Cooler(s) filled with ice water
- Extra ice (bags or block)
- Towels or drying racks
- Vacuum sealer (optional)
- Freezer paper or butcher bags
- Labels: date, weight, batch info
- Scale for weighing birds
🧠 Optional But Helpful
- Notebook for tracking weights/yield
- Bluetooth speaker or timer
- Shade umbrella for work area
- Signage (if public or demo event)
- Folding chairs or rest area nearby
📝 Pro Tip: Keep a tote or bin labeled “Chicken Day Kit” to store your sanitized knives, gloves, markers, and other processing tools so everything’s ready when needed.
Founder/CEO –At Harvesting Change & The Farm Life, our mission is to sow real seeds of change by nurturing a hands-on, inclusive learning environment rooted in sustainable farming, community connection, and traditional wisdom rooted in equity, sustainability, and social justice. We cultivate more than just gardens—we grow knowledge, resilience, and relationships that nourish people of all races, genders, and ages and the land alike.