Recent content by KCMOLisa

My brother and I did my 24 CX by ourselves last year without any prior experience. Once you get going, it is pretty easy. We did ours over two days, though. It will wear you out more than you think! Just set up stations. The first station is where you kill them, either hatchet or cone...

Thanks for the info, Morrigan. I think Jessica has had at least two batches from there and was happy with them. I think you're on to something with the temperature being a factor. I did mine in the fall and it was almost always 70s or below during the last three or four weeks. I specifically...

Morrigan - You might have said and I missed it, but could you let us know where you got your current batch?

Chad - It obviously depends on how old they are. I don't have any experience with fermented feed, but mine were eating about 11 pounds of food a day at the very end (7 weeks old). I had 25. So 100 would be eating close to 50 pounds a day at that age, and that is restricting feed. Supposedly...

Mine also were not fatty. In fact, they had almost no fat at all on them. I am actually thinking about giving them more corn the last couple of weeks this time because I would like to have a little more fat. When I used to buy thighs from the store, I always had to trim a bunch of fat off...

dpenning - You will have plenty of time in the fall. I got mine in the beginning of September last year (processed right before Halloween) and it was perfect timing. It was hot when they were little and cooler when they got bigger. They really don't like anything over 80 degrees once they're...

I did 25 in September/October last year. My brooder was 4x4 and was big enough for them until they were about 2 weeks old. They could have stayed in for 3 weeks if they had to, but they were starting to get pretty cramped. As far as temps, they can stand it cooler than regular chickens, but you...

Jessica: I haven't posted here much lately since I don't currently have any chickens, but I have still been reading along. I am loving your egg business updates! I can't believe you are taking care of over 300 babies! When I had my meatballs, their light went out for a few minutes also and...

We did four at a time and had no problems at all. Just make sure that you kill and bleed one out completely before doing the next one. Once they have bled out, then they will be fine for a little bit. If they haven't bled out completely and you let them sit around, the blood will clot and the...

Quote: Linda - So the Cobb 500s you got are for egg laying? I'm pretty sure my meatballs were Cobb 500s. If they're anything like mine, you're going to have to restrict their feed for sure! Are you planning on hatching any out? Mountain Mom - Awesome!

They look great, Betsy! I feel the same way about giving mine away. I feel kind of selfish, but everyone just expects me to give them one so they can try it. I didn't buy expensive feed, but I spent quite a bit building everything from scratch, buying waterers, feeders, etc., and I did all...

I would say you still want to eviscerate them first. I cut up quite a few of mine, but we went through and did the evisceration on all of them, let them rest in the cooler for 3 or 4 days and then cut them up. I have read this is the best way because it lets the muscles relax completely before...

Wow, that is really cold, CoHomestead! Morrigan - I had the same problem. It was really the only annoying thing about free ranging. When it got close to their feeding time, they would all climb up on the porch and gather around the front door because they figured out that was where I always...

Yes, I think we have the same system headed our way and it's going to get cold! I was just telling someone that I am glad my meaties are done because even the highs next week are low 30s. Mine were exactly 7 weeks on processing day. Honestly, I was shocked they were that big. I was going for...

Mine were about 6 to 6 1/2 pounds live weight and my average after dressing them was 4 1/3 pounds each.