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  1. thedude

    starpluck SP-1

    It looks like their prices have increased a little. i dont know that it was ever just $100. its a pretty sturdy unit http://www.cconlystore.com/SP-1-Starpluck-Defeather-Machine-SP-1.htm
  2. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Actually I just started the whole meat chicken thing a few months ago. This was the first go with the plucker, but so far so good. It's definitely a sturdy machine and heavy, all metal. The scald time is the key. Temp needs to be 140-150, for about 60 seconds. Too much longer and your bird...
  3. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    I didn't really notice much of a smell, but most of the chicken we used to buy was frozen so not much smell there. I did notice more color than the store bought (Foster, big bag of boneless breasts from Costco). The biggest things I've seen are: 1) Much less food - especially my layer...
  4. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Phew, Just finished processing 25 cornish x, 9 weeks - kill, scald, pluck (Starpluck, friggin amazing machine), and gut. Nasty work, but now I've got lots of good meat. Now if I can just get an elk in October. Our home scale wouldn't register the birds, gonna try another scale and get a post...
  5. thedude

    Not walking

    Yes, I've seen them just lay there and other stand on them. If you don't process this bird, she'll just keep getting stepped on, get really dirty, laying in her own poop, etc. I tried to help a few of them along but it doesn't get better. The meat will be fine unless you see something that is...
  6. thedude

    Not walking

    I'm about to finish my first batch of Cornish X and have seen the same thing. The bird seems fine one day and then the next it just sits there. It will still eat, drink, poop, but won't move. Well maybe flap and scoot along. I've posted about it as well and read as much as I could and the best...
  7. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Ok, got it. It's a math thing, always hated math......
  8. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Oh I wasn't considering stopping FF, it was just a bummer that it only increased the protein by a small percentage. I'm all on board with less stinky poop, less food, etc. etc. I'm already seeing a very significant reduction in feed for both my hens and meat birds. That alone is enough for me...
  9. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    so fermenting only adds 1.5%'ish to the protein of the original food?
  10. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Ok, I have a question on protein % increases from fermentation. I've read in various posts that fermenting the feed increases the protein percentage by about 12%. To me, that says if I have a feed that is 16% protein it will become 28% protein after fermenting. Does that sound about right?
  11. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Just an update to confirm that the FF does work. It's been almost a week and there are noticeable changes. The poop is definitely not an issue anymore - Mostly solid and the stink is pretty much gone. Before FF when you got near the tractor it was stinky, now i can barely smell it. Less...
  12. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Ok, thanks. These aren't layers, they are CX meat birds. I didn't know those contained more protein. I mixed in the rolled barley and cracked corn. I'll add in the oats. The meat bird feed is also mixed in there at a higher ratio at the moment so it should still be good. Plus the free range...
  13. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Ok, so far so good. They love the FF. They follow me or anyone that happens to be in the yard everywhere hoping you will feed them. I'm also gonna experiment with making my own food - cracked corn, barley, rolled oats. I'll ferment it and add some of the meat bird feed. The nutrena meat bird...
  14. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Ok cool thanks. I was looking for some sort of a "measurement". They are definitely enjoying the free ranging even if it is only a few yards, they are getting better at it. Seems a bit new to them as I only started earlier this week. But i do see their crops with stuff in it when it's feeding...
  15. thedude

    Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

    Been lurking on this thread for awhile. The idea of less feed for these Cornish X beasties is very appealing. They are going through close to 2 50lb bags a week (chicks 5 weeks). So, I started a batch on Tuesday evening (Nutrena Meat Bird crumbles), ACV. It had a slightly sour smell so seems...
  16. thedude

    Cornish Cross Laying on side

    Ok, I was afraid of that, but at least it isn't some sort of disease. I'll keep feeding the down birds for a little longer to put a little more meat on them. I do keep their food elevated. I have a big feeder that they actually have to climb up on a board to eat from. Then I have two smaller...
  17. thedude

    Cornish Cross Laying on side

    First time raising CX but I've have had chickens for a long time. Details: - The birds are about 4.5 weeks old and are growing normally - They were vaccinated for cocci and mareks - They have feed all day but are cut off at night. They have water all the time (automatic waterer) - I feed...
  18. thedude

    Coop Contest Spring 2010 - Win $20 BYC Store Gift Certificate - WINNER

    Thanks Shelly. It was a lot of work, but worth it.
  19. thedude

    Coop Contest Spring 2010 - Win $20 BYC Store Gift Certificate - WINNER

    Our Log Chicken Coop There are still a few "To Do's" left, but 99.9% done. Please enter us in the contest! https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=25099
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