Hello, my meat-loving friends! A few months back I posted this thread because I was on the fence about keeping meat birds. I've been interested in having meat birds for a while, but I'm from the suburbs (and now live in the city) and have never killed an animal in my life. However, you all convinced me to do it. I'm excited to grow my own meat, and make sure my meat source has a great life up until that one bad moment. A few of you were interested in me sharing my journey. I've never done a thread like this where people can follow along, but I felt it might be useful for other first-timers in the future to be able to see my process and learn from my mistakes. So here goes!
My plan so far:
Monday, September 12th, I will pick up 6 straight run Cornish X from Meyer Hatchery. In that same order is a Salmon Faverolle layer, and a hatchery choice "meal maker" layer. All 8 of these chicks will start their life in the same brooder (modified dog cage - still have to put the finishing touches on it).
Then when the meaties are feathered out, they will move to my 6'x4' chicken tractor (also unfinished, but will have it done by then).
When I'm done with it, this tractor will have doors on both sides. Half of the roof will be covered with a secured tarp, and there will be a skirt around the edges, as well as trampoline stakes to keep the tractor firm to the ground. We don't have a ton of predators here in the city, but I do want it to be secure. I might add a second layer of chicken wire to the whole thing.
I intend to butcher at about 8 weeks. We will use an axe to behead the chickens, and we will hand-pluck and eviscerate.
That's it so far. If this interests you, stay tuned for more updates starting Monday (Sept. 12th)!
EDIT: Please feel free to offer up any suggestions or advice you may have! I appreciate any constructive criticism I can get on any part of my process.
My plan so far:
Monday, September 12th, I will pick up 6 straight run Cornish X from Meyer Hatchery. In that same order is a Salmon Faverolle layer, and a hatchery choice "meal maker" layer. All 8 of these chicks will start their life in the same brooder (modified dog cage - still have to put the finishing touches on it).
Then when the meaties are feathered out, they will move to my 6'x4' chicken tractor (also unfinished, but will have it done by then).
I intend to butcher at about 8 weeks. We will use an axe to behead the chickens, and we will hand-pluck and eviscerate.
That's it so far. If this interests you, stay tuned for more updates starting Monday (Sept. 12th)!
EDIT: Please feel free to offer up any suggestions or advice you may have! I appreciate any constructive criticism I can get on any part of my process.
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