Gruve
Hatching
Hello all,
New to the site, had chickens about a year now. Started with 8 Buff Orpingtons and recently added 8 EE, 6 Gold sexlinks, 6 Barred Rocks, 2 Black Australorp, 2 Silver Laced Wyandottes, 4 Light Brahma cross that we hatched and for the time being 28 (down from 30) Red Rangers. Nice big 12x24 coop and attached 50x50 covered run. Rangers are inside now, but will be going in Salatin style tractor when they feather out a bit more. Long term goal is to find and concentrate on a good dual purpose breed that lays well and grows fast enough to make a 14 week old cockerel worth butchering.
New to the site, had chickens about a year now. Started with 8 Buff Orpingtons and recently added 8 EE, 6 Gold sexlinks, 6 Barred Rocks, 2 Black Australorp, 2 Silver Laced Wyandottes, 4 Light Brahma cross that we hatched and for the time being 28 (down from 30) Red Rangers. Nice big 12x24 coop and attached 50x50 covered run. Rangers are inside now, but will be going in Salatin style tractor when they feather out a bit more. Long term goal is to find and concentrate on a good dual purpose breed that lays well and grows fast enough to make a 14 week old cockerel worth butchering.
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How old are your Australorps? I bought some as chicks from a lady down the road and they weren't too bad as a dual purpose. Of course, I haven't put any on the dinner table since I can't seem to get the nerve to butcher any but she says they dress out pretty nice. The last round of pullets we bought included a New Hampshire Red and she plumped up quick! Almost doubled in size compared to the others. I really can't attest to her egg laying qualities since we also have a mixed flock and I'm never sure who laid which egg (with a couple exceptions). But maybe a breed worth looking into. At any rate, good luck and nice to meet a neighbor!
