Recent content by Looking4ewes

  1. Looking4ewes

    Is there anyone who does NOT process their own meat birds?

    Since I don't have a plucker, I take mine in to be processed for $2.00 each. If I was only doing a couple at a time, I would do them myself. Pluckers are expensive and used ones are hard to find.
  2. Looking4ewes

    My First BROODY! Need advice!

    Hi Folks, I've been reading this thread with interest as I have my first broody hen right now. Luckily, I have some meat chicks coming next week, maybe I can slip her a couple? If so, what then? How do the chicks get to the feed and water? Stupid question, but I don't know how to set it up...
  3. Looking4ewes

    turkey question

    Since your bird will be resting in the fridge, why don't you make up a brine solution with herbs and seasonings and let it rest in there for 24 - 36 hours? Then let rest outside of the brine for 24 hours before cooking. Yum!
  4. Looking4ewes

    Turkeys-finished weight?

    My turkeys are on pasture. What finish weight are people targeting for the Thankgiving market?
  5. Looking4ewes

    Turkeys-finished weight?

    What finished weight are you seeking in your turkeys? I had 4 toms processed ydy that were looking pretty big. They finished at 17 - 19 at 2 1/2 months of age. I started them at 27% protein but backed it down to 21% 3 weeks ago because I thought they were growing too fast. The hens I can...
  6. Looking4ewes

    I feel I should share new EZ Plucker; for rent near Chicago maybe?

    I would rent it, if I were closer. I would like my own, but I don't do enough birds yet to justify it. But, I have a friend in Valpo I visit frequently....
  7. Looking4ewes

    Featherman Pro (used) vs EZ Plucker (new)?

    Any thoughts? I process a small amount of birds a year (under 100) but I would like to grow my production. The EZ Plucker (new) would still be less than the Featherman Pro AND include a warranty. I used a local processor this spring and they did okay, but didn't like the bags they used. I...
  8. Looking4ewes

    Michigan

    Dumb remark thread: I had a contractor over recently, a city boy through and through. He asked me if the rooster fertilizes the egg after it is laid, like a fish. His buddies and I got a good laugh out of it. He persisted. How, he asks, does an egg get fertilized? ;-)
  9. Looking4ewes

    "Pithing" Slaughter?

    I agree with Erica. Killing, no matter what method you use, improves with practice. I guess I don't understand why pithing is being termed as "horrific"? It is a quick jab and turn of the wrist. The bird squawks and then relaxes unconcious. Then the throat is cut and the bird bleeds out...
  10. Looking4ewes

    "Pithing" Slaughter?

    I pithe before cutting the arteries and find it a very humane way to slaughter. It may take a little practice but it is easy to learn. It creates a nice, relaxed carcass, too. No "horror stories" here.
  11. Looking4ewes

    Bird processor in Detroit area?

    There's a processor in Howell or Fowlerville. Don't have the name but can be goggled.
  12. Looking4ewes

    The movie "Fresh"

    Any serious homesteader has got to have a dairy animal. For a small holding, a goat or two will produce much milk in exchange for the feed AND produce a tasty goat kid for the table. Since I have the room, I went with a Jersey cow, about 700-800 lbs. She is a light producer, about 2 gallons a...
  13. Looking4ewes

    Anyone order just male Cornish X?

    I've ordered all males before. Once they got a bit aggressive at feeding, but soon learned that a swift kick was coming their way when they crowded and/or pecked me. They grew well and ate fine.
  14. Looking4ewes

    Wwyd?

    I posted the thread here because this is where I hang out, but my apologies if inappropriate. The chicks are 7 - 10 days old. There are 20 meat birds, and 5 buffs. I don't know the difference between pasty butt and poopy butt. Some chicks had some poop build-up on the butt. I washed them...
  15. Looking4ewes

    Wwyd?

    My chicks had a shaky start, with losing half of them due to a heat lamp failure. I purchased replacements at TSC, just a couple days older than the small chicks. A few chicks have developed pasty butt, a condition I am not familiar with. Also, one of the TSC chicks has started sneezing...
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