RUA MEATS: Butchering, Chicken & Beef Slaughter Service in Belleville

General poultry processing information

Rua's continues to improve our fully inspected facilities as well as our commitment to you our local farmers and customers.

In May 2023 we implemented an APPOINTMENT SYSTEM.

The appointment system has created more order and shorter wait times for everyone. However, there will be days when we may fall behind. Please be understanding as we work as quickly and efficiently as possible to bring your poultry in for processing. We do not make excuses but continue to strive to improve. We know that it can be frustrating having to wait, but our role as a custom poultry processor means we deal with dynamic situations. We are grateful to the support of our farm customers who have supplied feedback.

What to expect when you arrive:

Pull down the driveway along the right/west side of the facility into the parking lot. The traffic cones are there to guide you around the perimeter of the lot.
You will need to complete a “green card” (see example) which is provided. An OMFRA (provincial) inspector will sign off to verify that the birds were alive and well at the time of arrival.

You must fill in your name, address, phone number,
Number of birds and species. i.e., 50 White rock chickens; 10 ducks; 20 turkeys etc.
Provide a copy of the Form 300 (see the example; for chickens only) along with your grower number (found beside your name on the first page of the form). The Form 300 was given to you at the time of or shortly after picking up your chick order from your local feedstore. Abattoirs must follow the regulations put in place by The Chicken Farmers of Ontario.

Farmers hang their own birds on the hooks. Be prepared by bringing gloves, boots and perhaps coveralls or a shirt to help keep your clothes and truck seats clean. 😉 Be prepared to help the farmers ahead of you off-load their birds.
Please wait for staff to give the signal that the line is ready to accept more birds.
An inspector will be in the processing room checking the health, safety and quality of all birds.
Processing happens on Fridays.
- Fresh market birds are available next day.
- Frozen birds are to be picked up on Mondays or a Tuesday following a long weekend.

***Feed withdrawal note ***

Feed should be removed 8-12 hours before the expected processing time. Feed withdrawal prior to slaughter impacts the processing and carcass quality. Food should be removed from your birds to minimize the chance of fecal and/or feed contamination of the carcass as the bird is eviscerated. Digestions slows when the birds are without light, so a slightly longer fast time when done overnight may be acceptable. However prolonged fasting for extended times can cause damage to the mucosal lining of the intestines. The liver continues to function and produce bile which passes through the small intestine into the gall bladder. As the gall bladder expands the bladder walls become more fragile, making the removal of the gall bladder more difficult. This could cause staining and reduce the quality of the carcass. Doing feed withdrawal, the liver acts as a source of energy, which means glucose and fat will be used up over a longer withdrawal period. The liver will shrink and darken as a result.

Water should remain available as long as possible. If you are transporting birds loose in a trailer, provide water.

The humane transportation and treatment of all poultry and livestock coming to Rua Meats must be followed. With that in mind we have added links to provide guidelines for the safe and humane transportation practice of poultry and livestock.

Poultry are sensitive to temperature. They do not thermoregulate well. So, if they are too warm, they will overheat and potentially die.
Birds may be transported in cages with appropriate space or in a stock trailers with birds on shavings and water provided. The birds must have adequate space and ventilation.
*** Cardboard boxes, Rubbermaid tubs, grain bags etc. are not good carriers. If this type of carrier is used the tops must be open with added ventilation holes cut into the sides of the container at the level of the birds.

The following links supply more information to help you ensure the best transportation and transfer of your livestock to our facility.

Ruameats location

275 FRANKFORD RD, FOXBORO, ON