Anyone raise Chickens for eggs AND meat on 2 acres or less?

[kuntrygirl]

Just something to keep in mind is how you're going to store those birds after they're processed. Even a smaller batch of 25 birds--when you process them all at once, that's a lot of freezer space, or canning jars, or whatever. It's always sad to see folks get to that point and get stuck. 

We've got 2 refrigerators and a chest freezer but after we store all of the produce from the garden, we are really short on space come fall. We will need to invest in a second chest freezer I think. Unless I dehydrate and can more of the produce... But usually once fall hits I'm just sick of all of the prep involved with those two methods so I throw what's left in the freezer.

True about the freezer space. I purchased a freezer before I got the broilers because I knew what I was going to be faced with.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I grew up with pet rabbits and kept them for 5+ years as pets. Mini lops. Meat rabbits are MUCH different than pet rabbits and it quickly becomes easy to feel like they should be treated differently.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Your just over 2 acres is plenty. I have less than 2 acres and I have 115 Chickens, 19 Geese, 19 BR Turkeys, 7 Rabbits, 120 Muscovy Ducks (6 duckling) , 9 Guineas, 9 Peafowl, 8 sheep (7 baby lamb) and 1 Goat and it's a perfect set. I don't have to walk far to get from point A to point B.

I have an incredible amount of respect for you, kuntrygirl.  And don't you work full time?   

Thank you. And yes, I have a full time job. I work Monday thru Friday. 40 hours a week. :/

 

[kuntrygirl]

 
Thanks to this thread, I'm now getting at least 3 rabbits e this month which I will breed for meat. My hubby thinks I'm going way over my head but is okay with the rabbits for now so long as I don't add anymore chickens and hold off on ducks.

I've honestly never eaten rabbit, and we only ever had them for pets as a kid. I don't know if I could take that step with raising them and eating them. It definitely sounds like an awesome meat to have though!

Rabbit meat is delicious.

 

[kuntrygirl]

 

I've honestly never eaten rabbit, and we only ever had them for pets as a kid. I don't know if I could take that step with raising them and eating them. It definitely sounds like an awesome meat to have though!

You're missing out! Hassenfeifer, shredded cajun fried rabbit, rabbits slow cooked in apple juice, rabbit fried in thai BBQ sauce, rabbit roasted with basil and garlic, rabbit baked wrapped in bacon....

Mmmm!

 

[Loc20chick]

You're missing out! Hassenfeifer, shredded cajun fried rabbit, rabbits slow cooked in apple juice, rabbit fried in thai BBQ sauce, rabbit roasted with basil and garlic, rabbit baked wrapped in bacon....

Mmmm!

yes..

 

[Loc20chick]

Got my rabbits today 4 of them for $30

 

[AmericanMom]

Got my rabbits today 4 of them for $30

That's a very good deal!! Do you know the breed?

We have fleshing giants crossing with California's.. Going to have to get a couple unrelated females because now there is no other kits to raise that wont be closely related to either the males or females.. Line breeding in chickens ok... But mammals??

 

[Loc20chick]

That's a very good deal!! Do you know the breed?

We have fleshing giants crossing with California's.. Going to have to get a couple unrelated females because now there is no other kits to raise that wont be closely related to either the males or females.. Line breeding in chickens ok... But mammals??

I was told one was a NZ, but I'm doubting it. The rest 3 from looking at them they look like Netherlands dwarfs

my 2year old loves them they are so calm. I plan on getting an American blue and California white... to breed for meat.

 

[Loc20chick]

Anyone in this thread close to me that has meat rabbits they want o sell?