There are several good methods of packing. The main point to keep in
mind is to show off the birds to best advantage and make an
attractive-looking display when the container is opened.
Before the birds are packed the heads should be wrapped with paper.
Parchment or waxed paper is best, as the softer papers are liable to
absorb blood, taint the flesh and spoil the appearance. The paperis
shaped by taking a piece 24 inches long and 6inches wide, folding in
the centre at right angles and cutting on the fold. This gives two
wrappers, each 6 inches wide, and 14 ½ inches long on one side and
9 ½ inches on the other. The small side is wrapped around the neck
first and the pointed edge turned in, so that tieing is not necessary.
A large wrapper will be needed for the larger birds or if feathers are
left on the neck.
In very hot weather and for long shipments, poultry should be shipped
iced in barrels. Beginning with ice, alternate layers of cracked ice
and poultry are packed in the barrel. The birds are best placed with
their feet towards the centre. On top of the barrel large pieces of ice
are placed and a burlap covering fastened under the top hoop.
The one and two layer box packages are about equally popular on the
market. The size of the boxes varies with the grade of birds to be
shipped and the method of packing. The commonest sizes for the
two-layer method are as follows:
-
Dozen broilers (25 to 30 pounds) 17 x 16 x 4 inches inside
-
Dozen roasters (40 to 50 pounds) 20 x19 x 6 inches inside
-
Dozen fowls (50 to 60 pounds) 18 x 17 x 9 inches inside
In these boxes the birds are dovetailed together on their sides with
the feet toward the centre, six birds to each layer. In the bottom
layer, the heads are turned up and in the top down. This puts the heads
all in the middle, and the package presents an attractive appearance
when opened either from the top or bottom. The box should be lined with
parchment or wax paper. To prevent the development of mold in warm
weather, dip the last sheet in a five percent solution of formalin.
On the end of the container should be stencilled the name and address
of the shipper, the number of birds and the whether they are broilers,
roasters, capons or fowl. The net weight should also be plainly marked
on the box.
