Soaking newly butchered chickens

[curly_kate]

I know I should leave my chickens to soak in water for at least 24 hours, but there is absolutely not enough room in our fridge for 6 birds. What about keeping them in a cooler full of ice water? Is that safe enough?

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

I know I should leave my chickens to soak in water for at least 24 hours, but there is absolutely not enough room in our fridge for 6 birds. What about keeping them in a cooler full of ice water? Is that safe enough?

They only soak in ice water just long enough to cool fully. If we are doing a huge number, then a well scrubbed bathtub works well. Otherwise we use rubbermaid tubs or coolers with ice water.
Then they can be placed in the fridge to rest (come out of rigor ) for 24 hours. Or, place in covered containers, place in coolers and the cover with ice.
Then you can package them for the freezer.