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Also I need to butcher an18 week old cockerel as he is causing trouble for the two gentlemen I have also 18 weeks. Any tips for this time of year, when we processed our broilers they were starting to get hair, MIL said it was from the cold, should I just skin him?[/quote
I let mine out as long as its around 0 plus or minus a few degrees. I'd say you ought to be okay; my rule of thumb is the wind. When you go from chilly to 'cold', ie whipping snow, bad wind, that's when I get nervous. There are always enough sunny winter days to get them out for exercise every now and again.
As for hair, if you really want the skin on for its basting properties, you can singe it off,or just take as much off by hand before you throw it in the oven. We don't eat the skin so it's of no concern to us to leave a few tiny hairs on.
First snow here today, and my first snow with chickens, I have no clue if I should let them outside its -3c, I know they are going to want to.
Also I need to butcher an18 week old cockerel as he is causing trouble for the two gentlemen I have also 18 weeks. Any tips for this time of year, when we processed our broilers they were starting to get hair, MIL said it was from the cold, should I just skin him?[/quote
I let mine out as long as its around 0 plus or minus a few degrees. I'd say you ought to be okay; my rule of thumb is the wind. When you go from chilly to 'cold', ie whipping snow, bad wind, that's when I get nervous. There are always enough sunny winter days to get them out for exercise every now and again.
As for hair, if you really want the skin on for its basting properties, you can singe it off,or just take as much off by hand before you throw it in the oven. We don't eat the skin so it's of no concern to us to leave a few tiny hairs on.
