Poultry Raising, Processing Products

Poultry Raising, Processing Products 30-3-9 If you're looking to get into small scale poultry production, you'll need some equipment. Here are a few companies that'll help get you started. Pakster Their egg baskets are made from high density polyethylene and are designed to enclose and protect eggs. The smooth surface makes nesting and denesting easy. The baskets will withstand repeated washings and are resistant to detergents and disinfectants. They're available in several colors to blend into any color scheme. The straight side wall makes it easy to pack eggs without fear of breakage. An interlocking design assures firm, secure stacking of baskets. The baskets accommodate 12 or 18-egg cartons as well as standard egg flats. Holes in the bottom allow easy removal of stacked egg flats. The baskets are easily converted from the stacked position to the nested position by turning them 180 degrees. The company's coops make bird loading safe, quick and easy. They have smoothly rounded corners to minimize bruising and wing injuries. The coops are designed with a positive top-and-bottom interlocking system to make the load secure. The company also makes egg flats and chick boxes. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Pakster, 2008 Dennis St., Athens, Tenn. 37303 (ph 800 367-6549; info@pakster.com; www. pakster.com). Cryovac Poultry Bag This company makes bags for home processing. They measure 9 by 16 in. and hold up to a 6 1/2-lb. bird. You put a bird in a bag, dip it in 200 degree water, and the bag shrinks around the bird. Even if the bag is punctured, it will stay tight around the product. Helps prevent freezer burn and ice crystals from forming on the product. Cost is about 18 cents per bag plus S&H. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Cryovac Food Packaging, 100 Rogers Bridge Rd., Duncan, S.C. 29334 (ph 800 391-5645; fax 864 433-2134; www.sealedai r.com/products/food/poultry/805bags.html). Gillis Agricultural Systems Gillis sells all kinds of equipment for raising free range poultry. Their mail order catalog features feed bins and augers, poultry floor feeding systems, bell and nipple drinker systems, hanging feeders and waterers, natural ventilation curtain systems, pens and range equipment, incubators, brooders, and heaters. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Gillis Agricultural Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 250, Willmar, Minn. 56201 (ph 800 992-8986 or 320 235-0444; fax 320 235-0461; www. gillisag.com).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.