7 week weights, 1st batch of meaties

[cafrhe]

They are tractored/ pastured (we prop up the side of the tractor during the day and they do range somewhat)

They are a pretty good range of weights. 1 smaller hen is not standing anymore, 1 large male is starting to limp a bit but the rest seem ok. I wont weigh them again since it is pretty stressful. We had planned to process at 8 weeks, I am wondering if with the weights we have, this week might be better. I dont want to lose any due to 'too big' problems. We have 1-2 more days of humid and hot and then back to the 80s with cooler nights by Tues/Wed.

I weighed 22 of them the lightest is 5lb, 2oz, 4 of them are in the 5lb range. 6 are between 6,1 and 6,11. 8 are between 7,3 and 7,7 and 5 are between 8 and 8,10.

When we bought our birds, we generally liked a 4-5 lb bird--that gave 4 of us approx 3 meals (roast, casserole/quesadillas and soup). We are sending them to a processor, so would like 1 batch but only need 25 to go for us to get a date we pick. I could hold back 5 smaller ones...but not sure we should bother.

Opinions from those who have done this more than once!!

Edited to change 6 week weight to 7 week weight...

 

[Nupe]

I would process hen who isn't standing and possibly the one with the limp now. If she's not standing, she could be in pain and it will only get worse, especially if she can't get to the food.

edit: Sorry, missed the part where you were sending them off for processing. I do think the little hen isn't going to make it if you wait to fatten them up more. Maybe you could talk someone into processing her for you?

 

[cafrhe]

I did buy a knife so I could dispatch any of them that needed it. I have butchered a chicken once. So I could process her. She is eating and drinking. I am giving her until tomorrow. I did not have the feeding set up properly and I want to make sure she isnt just weak from not getting enough food. I have a hard time killing an animal who eats and drinks, but it is probably for the best.

I am just not sure if I should get them processed now rather than wait the week. Some are pretty big. I dont want any of those to keel over on me!

 

[eviemethugh]

I think your weights sound good! We are always a little sad about butchering the ones under or at 5lbs, but like you side the majority of yours are well above "grocery store weight" for whole chicken. Saves you on two weeks of food!

 

[cafrhe]

Shoot--I meant 7 week weight--so yes I would save 1 week of food!

 

[slingshotandLAR]

We always do ours @ 7weeks....

We have a consistent average of 4.70lbs, that's for whole processed birds. I will say I think that number doesn't represent an actual average because we always get about 1/3 of the birds as cut ups. I don't get pre cut up weights but they do cut most of the biggest birds up I would bet that number is much closer to 5lbs.

 

[cafrhe]

Thanks! I also asked the processor (a local organic farmer). He had said to wait until 8 weeks unless they started having leg problems. I'm just getting nervous--we have done great with this 1st batch and they are all spoken for. I'd like them to pay for their hoop house and food!

 

[cafrhe]

They will go in on Thurs night to be processed Friday. I was hoping for Thurs. Today is the worst day heat wise, so hopefully I wont worry as much about sudden deaths after today. Poor birds were hot today.