Skip to content

Chicken Day at Vallican Whole in the Slocan Valley

The area’s only licensed poultry abattoir, owner Judi Morton, is beginning the new season with an educational event.
46386westernstar02_23chickenabattoir
Judi Morton and one of her hens in front of the area’s only licensed poultry abattoir - awaiting the coming of spring.

After a successful first year operating the area’s only licensed poultry abattoir, owner Judi Morton is beginning the new season with an educational event.

“Chicken Day” will be held March 10 at the Vallican Whole Community Centre. It will feature an introductory session for beginners as well as sessions for experienced poultry producers and planning for group orders of chicks and feed.

Morton is expecting a busy second season for her abattoir.

“We have a great crew who take pride in our convenient and humane service,” she said. “We have updated our website with tips for commercial producers and backyard hobbyists alike (passmorepluckers.ca).”

The site also has the schedule, booking instructions and prices.

Locally raised poultry is popular and profitable. Morton hopes her abattoir will support growth of sustainable farming in the area. Chicken that has been processed in a licenced facility can be sold legally to a wholesaler or direct to retailers, restaurants or consumers. Every bird in Morton’s abattoir is examined by a Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspector.

“Our CFIA inspector was really impressed with the quality of poultry raised in this area,” Morton said.

The abattoir is located in the Slocan Valley so poultry travel less than two hours from anywhere in the West Kootenay. Considerate treatment of the birds is important for Morton.

“Short travel distances are best for the birds,” she said. “Most go from the producer’s farm to the customer’s fridge or freezer in the same day. We help producers plan their delivery to get the optimum value from the birds and create a safe delicious product.”

Chicken Day will be held at the Vallican Whole from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday March 10. Admission by donation. For directions see VallicanWhole.com.