This is Sassafras, an almost year old Buff Brahma. I noticed her neck was losing feathers about a month or more ago. I thought no biggie, maybe a molt? It still hasn’t grown new feather and is red and warm to the touch in that area but skin around it is normal and fine. So what’s happening? I...
I am new to having layers but have raised meat birds for a few years. I purchased our current chicks through our local feed store but I would like to get different breeds of layers next year as well as my meat birds. Does anybody have recommendations for good hatcheries for layers and meat birds?
We are new to having layers. We built a sweet coop this summer and decided not to insulate it. A neighbor told us that the birds will tolerate the cold just fine. Everything went well this summer but now winter is here and I am worried that the chickens are freezing out in the coop at night. The...
So this is our first time raising turkeys. My husband butchered one this afternoon for our supper tomorrow night. I have been reading about rigor and that the meat will be horrible and tough. We have family coming tomorrow for a turkey feast, what should we do? Has anyone ever roasted a...
I have 26 freedom rangers that are getting butchered this weekend. When I went out to feed and water the chickens I noticed one of the hens had a large lump in her crop area this morning. When I felt it it was a hard lump. I came inside to research what to do. I then went back outside to...
So I have some Cornish Cross that are about 7 weeks old. One of the females is about half of the size of the others. This wouldn't be a problem but she also seems to be having a problem putting weight on her legs. She stands briefly and then staggers backwards. She mostly sits on her bottom...
My Freedom Ranger roosters are crowing. They are 9 1/2 weeks old. Are they early bloomers or is this common and I shouldn't be so proud of them? Hope they don't annoy my neighbors too much before butchering day next week.
Has anyone used anything like this or even this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Plucker-Drill-Attachment/dp/B007MEZHFA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
We are thinking of getting it for our next batch of birds and would love some feedback
I am not sure where to post this question but I would love some recommendations on books for raising chickens. I do use the computer for info now but would really love a good book or 2 that I can use as well. I read a couple from the library but they were so general but a good start.
We are getting closer to processing our Freedom Rangers. I would love our birds to be about 5-6 lbs in the freezer. What should I be looking for for live weight?
A friend of mine has talked abut this site so I thought I would give it a try. We are just starting out with meat birds ( Freedom Rangers) this year and hope to add layers in the spring. Can't wait to dive into this site and learn all there is to learn about raising chickens as well as...
We are very new to raising chicken, about 8 weeks into our first batch of Freedom Rangers. I really would like to be able to have a flock of heritage meat bird that we could get our own chicks from instead of buying them in. A dual purpose bird would be great too! We are in VT so a cold...