As a poultry owner, I always enjoy hearing about the experiences of fellow chicken enthusiasts. Recently, my husband and I have been considering raising some meat chickens, but we’re faced with the question of how to package them for the freezer. We have a regular vacuum sealer, but we’re not sure if it will accommodate a whole chicken. In this article, I’d like to share some ideas on how other poultry owners package their meat chickens for the freezer.
Heat Shrink Bags
Heat shrink bags are a popular choice among chicken owners when it comes to packaging whole birds for the freezer. These bags are made of a special plastic that shrinks when exposed to heat, creating a tight seal around the chicken. This helps to prevent air from getting in and causing freezer burn, which can ruin the quality and taste of your chicken.
Heat shrink bags are available in various sizes, so you can choose the perfect size for your birds. They are sold in a variety pack with different sizes included, making it easy to select the appropriate size for each bird. Although they may be a bit more expensive than other options, they are a worthwhile investment as they ensure your chicken stays fresh and delicious.
To use heat shrink bags, simply place the chicken inside and then use a heat source such as a heat gun or hairdryer to shrink the plastic around the bird. The tight seal created by the bag will help to preserve the meat and prevent freezer burn. Heat shrink bags are also easy to store as they take up minimal space in the freezer.
Vacuum Sealer
If you prefer to divide your meat chickens into pieces, a vacuum sealer may be the best option for you. This method of packaging is ideal for pieces and parts rather than whole birds. Vacuum sealing removes all the air from the package, which prevents freezer burn and helps keep your chicken fresh for longer periods.
When using a vacuum sealer, it’s important to select the right size of bags to fit your chicken parts. Some vacuum sealers come with custom-sized bags, but you can also purchase them separately. Be sure to select bags that are appropriate for the size of the chicken pieces you intend to freeze.
To vacuum seal chicken, simply place the pieces inside the bag and remove as much air as possible using your vacuum sealer. Once the air is removed, the bag will be tightly sealed around the chicken pieces. Be sure to label each bag with the date and type of meat so you can easily identify it later on.
One of the benefits of using a vacuum sealer is that it helps save space in your freezer. As the air is removed from the package, the chicken pieces become more compact, which makes it easier to store them. You can also freeze multiple pieces in one bag, which further maximizes the space in your freezer.
Shrink Wrap Bags
Shrink wrap bags are made of high-quality plastic material that shrinks tightly around the chicken when heated. This ensures that the chicken is sealed tight, preventing any air from entering, which can lead to freezer burn. Shrink wrap bags come in various sizes, so it’s easy to find the right size for your meat chickens.
Using shrink wrap bags is a great option for those who want to package their meat chickens whole. They are ideal for those who want to store their chickens for a longer period without compromising the quality of the meat. With shrink wrap bags, you can also customize the size of the portions you want to freeze. For instance, you can package the chicken into leg quarters, wings, breasts, and thighs, which can be frozen in twos or threes, depending on your family’s needs.
While shrink wrap bags are easy to use, they can be a bit tricky if you’ve never used them before. However, with practice, you’ll be able to master the technique in no time. Shrink wrap bags are also a bit more expensive than other packaging options, but the investment is worth it if you want to ensure that your meat chickens stay fresh for an extended period. Overall, shrink wrap bags are a great option for packaging whole chickens, and they provide excellent protection against freezer burn.
Customized Packages
Customized packages are an excellent option for those who prefer to portion out their meat chickens for future meals. This way, you can tailor the packages to suit your family’s preferences and avoid wasting any meat.
For instance, if you prefer to have chicken breasts for dinner, you can package the chickens into packages of two breasts each. Likewise, if you enjoy chicken wings, you can package them into eight to twelve wing portions.
The advantage of this method is that it allows you to plan your meals better and only thaw out the amount of meat you need. This way, you can avoid waste and save money by not having to discard any unused portions.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are several options for packaging meat chickens for the freezer, including heat shrink bags, vacuum sealers, shrink wrap bags, and customized packages. The method you choose depends on your personal preferences, your equipment, and the size of your birds. Ultimately, the goal is to preserve the quality of your meat and avoid freezer burn. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that your home-raised meat is always fresh and delicious.
