Incubators Anonymous - Page 210

It would be rare for the chickens you sell to have a worse life than if they were in a commercial poultry farm type of place.

Please let others enjoy your chickens. Some of the Show Quality and Heritage Breeders won't give up their stock for similar reasons. The thought is that the person getting the chickens needs to be "worthy". Sadly, everyone dies and if you don't share your project with others, that project will die with you.

I know it's hard.to let go.

Also, let your Son make some soup! . Growing up, my Mom would say: "It's time, go pick a hen that is not laying and we will have Chicken and Dumplings". Boy that was good.

Ron

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbleily 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arielle 

 

 

I have birds that are NOT for sale. My special girls. So, I understand your attachment. However,  there are people who will take good care of them just like you do. Look at all the wonderful caretakers you find here on BYC.  Many of my customers that I have sold hatching eggs to, this isn't even the chicks, keep in touch with me and let me know how the chicks are doing.  When you are overrun with chickens, then you will feel ready to hatch and SELL. When you see the delight of little children picking out their special chick. . .  you know that chick will have a loving home. Until you are ready, enjoy your birds, I love watching mine everyday.

 

I know I have to get there some day.  Once I do it I will get over this fear of letting go. LOL  It is really harder for me than letting go of my kids.  I know that my kids were going to be able to take care of themselves.  These little ones are dependent on people to care for them.  The older I get the worse I get because I have seen more I guess.  I am working on it. LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronott1 

It would be rare for the chickens you sell to have a worse life than if they were in a commercial poultry farm type of place.

 

Please let others enjoy your chickens. Some of the Show Quality and Heritage Breeders won't give up their stock for similar reasons. The thought is that the person getting the chickens needs to be "worthy". Sadly, everyone dies and if you don't share your project with others, that project will die with you.

 

I know it's hard.to let go.

Also, let your Son make some soup! . Growing up, my Mom would say: "It's time, go pick a hen that is not laying and we will have Chicken and Dumplings". Boy that was good.

 

Ron

 

 

It was easier when the kids were young.  We had everything on the farm.  We had goats named Hot Dog and Hamberger.  They were wethers.  We had bull calfs named Steak, Roast, and Chops.  I butchered chickens goats, sheep, (not mine) , cows, and rabbits.  It is just in my old age that I have found it hard to do.  I had a man call and want some laying hens.  I will have to call him back (I wasn't at home.  I have not been wanting to call him because I know I should give him some hens.  Not really give but you know what I mean...

And my son and I have had a good talk about canning the chickens that are older..  If I could just be sure I don't pick out a younger one.....

Oh yes, make sure you pick the ones you want to process and put them in a different pen. I have heard of the wrong chickens being processed. I would make sure I was there so that mistakes don't happen.

I hope it all goes well!

The guy will be very excited to get those laying hens! 

Ron

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbleily 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronott1 

It would be rare for the chickens you sell to have a worse life than if they were in a commercial poultry farm type of place.

 

Please let others enjoy your chickens. Some of the Show Quality and Heritage Breeders won't give up their stock for similar reasons. The thought is that the person getting the chickens needs to be "worthy". Sadly, everyone dies and if you don't share your project with others, that project will die with you.

 

I know it's hard.to let go.

Also, let your Son make some soup! . Growing up, my Mom would say: "It's time, go pick a hen that is not laying and we will have Chicken and Dumplings". Boy that was good.

 

Ron

 

 

It was easier when the kids were young.  We had everything on the farm.  We had goats named Hot Dog and Hamberger.  They were wethers.  We had bull calfs named Steak, Roast, and Chops.  I butchered chickens goats, sheep, (not mine) , cows, and rabbits.  It is just in my old age that I have found it hard to do.  I had a man call and want some laying hens.  I will have to call him back (I wasn't at home.  I have not been wanting to call him because I know I should give him some hens.  Not really give but you know what I mean...

And my son and I have had a good talk about canning the chickens that are older..  If I could just be sure I don't pick out a younger one.....

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronott1 

Oh yes, make sure you pick the ones you want to process and put them in a different pen. I have heard of the wrong chickens being processed. I would make sure I was there so that mistakes don't happen.

 

I hope it all goes well!

 

The guy will be very excited to get those laying hens! 

 

Ron

 

 

I will be the one picking them out.  That is what makes it so hard. LOL  The EEs look a lot alike.  I got them at the same place only different years.  I have been studying them and still can't tell the old ones from the newer ones.  Some are 5 ish and those are the ones I want to can.  I know I should have marked them with bands but I didn't.

Separate them into cages to see which ones are still laying?

I have colored zip ties on some and now bands on others. I need to get small ones for the babies. 

Ron

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbleily 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronott1 

Oh yes, make sure you pick the ones you want to process and put them in a different pen. I have heard of the wrong chickens being processed. I would make sure I was there so that mistakes don't happen.

 

I hope it all goes well!

 

The guy will be very excited to get those laying hens! 

 

Ron

 

 

 

I will be the one picking them out.  That is what makes it so hard. LOL  The EEs look a lot alike.  I got them at the same place only different years.  I have been studying them and still can't tell the old ones from the newer ones.  Some are 5 ish and those are the ones I want to can.  I know I should have marked them with bands but I didn't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronott1 

Separate them into cages to see which ones are still laying?

 

I have colored zip ties on some and now bands on others. I need to get small ones for the babies. 

 

Ron

 

 

I wish I had that many cages.  I have looked at them and most have bright combs and look like they are laying.  I will get some zip ties.  I think that might be the best thing to start with these new chicks so I don't go through this again.  It will make my family happy if I will allow to have at least 10 culled.  I know 6 for sure so I will just have to bite the bullet and try to pick out 4 more for now. Thanks for you help in making me make up my mind.......

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbleily 

 

I wish I had that many cages.  I have looked at them and most have bright combs and look like they are laying.  I will get some zip ties.  I think that might be the best thing to start with these new chicks so I don't go through this again.  It will make my family happy if I will allow to have at least 10 culled.  I know 6 for sure so I will just have to bite the bullet and try to pick out 4 more for now. Thanks for you help in making me make up my mind.......

sometimes you can tell the older bird by their beak and feet. an older bird will tend to have longer beak and toenails and rougher looking feet/hocks. and if you pick them up and handle them, an older bird might have more or less fat deposited than the others.  my old birds tended toward lean than fat because they had free range every day and those not laying tended to wander around a lot more than the layers.

Perhaps the real issue is:  is she laying. If all the hens should be laying at this point, would n't you want to can any slacker even if she is young? Assuming no medical reason to not be laying  of course. 

If you pick up a hen and look at the vent, a laying hen has a large open vent that is wet and shiny. If it is comparatively small, about half the size, and dry and dull looking she is not laying. 

i can't wait this time ALL the ggs feel heavy and seem like they are doing great.... hatching day is next wed......except for the 1 or 2 we added from my son's banties we added the day after.....they will be the following day..... i think this will be a great hatch...