Anyone raise meaties in an urban/suburban setting?

[augustmomx2]

Quote:
Go for it, just start with a small number like 10-12 and see how it goes. One of the nice things about Cornish Crosses is that they'll only be around for a couple months. You'll process these in May and have plenty of time to raise a second batch and stil lhave them i the freezer by Labor Day.

I think you guys have convinced me

I'm just gonna go for it and start off with 12. Very true about the short amount of time they'll be around and the ability to raise another batch before next winter (how can I be thinking about next winter?!? Ugh!)

Luckily the corner I want to use does not have "anyone" nearby. The neighbor on that side is elderly and never ventures to the back of her lot and behind us is an un-used field...Yes, un-used...I stare lovingly at it all day

I'm calling Ideal right now to add to my order...Thanks everyone!

 

[protodon]

Quote:
Its possible to raise this many in a 10x10 but I'd make it twice that size with half as many. The poop adds up incredibly fast the bigger they get. Right now I have 13 left of my original 25 in a 8X8 coop with a 6 X 10 run. Its too small. After 2 days they're ankle deep in crap, and my poor planning made it impossible to move the coop with fewer than 4 people.
New MUCH LARGER run is on the drawing board now. I'm going to go up to 20 X 20 PVC run/shelter that I can move by myself.

From what I have read on here 10 x 10 should be big enough for 50 considering the fact that it would be moved everyday. 20 x 20 seems really big for 25 birds. I imagine it would be really awkward to move, too.

 

[Big George]

I too live in "central" Indiana. Last year I added meaties to my chicken collection. I keep hens and sometimes a rooster in my backyard. My plan was to raise the cornish x rocks in a run next to my garage. But when they were big enough to leave the brooder it was clear they had NO interest in going outside. So I raised them in the garage on pellet litter in a plywood pen. In nine weeks the males dressed at 7.5 pounds and the hens about 5.5 pounds. I was glad when it was over. But I was so pleased with the beautiful results. Twenty seven chickens in the freezer and I didn't loose one. I did haul bags of waste and was able to keep them clean. If your yard it that big go for it! It helps to be on good terms with your neighbors. Oh and if you are close to martinsville the Rural King gets chicks in and after a week or so they start dropping the price. Its worth the drive for the price on feed also. Would be fun to see your "operation" or come by and see mine. Cheers

 

[spud1035]

I agree with ya just starting off with 12, that's a good number for a movable pen. That's what I did last year and it worked out good. Remember that when they are small you'll only have to move once or twice a week and daily to two times a day at the end. I'd rather do a coupe of batches than have them all cramed in at the end. I also would take a leaf rake to loosen up their poo at the end when it became a little thicker. good luck

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Are you going to be processing them yourself or taking them to a processor? How much freezer space do you have for storage? Those 2 factors should also be considered when ordering your meaties. If processing by yourself plan to do them all in one or two sessions, if taking them away then get enough to make it worthwhile. Cornish X need to be processed within a short period of time so you'll need space to store them all together in the freezer.

But 12 to start with sounds like a good number, no matter how bad or good your results at least they don't stay around for very long. I hope you do have great results and will want to continue to raise more.

 

[augustmomx2]

Quote:
I am taking them to a processor, about an hour away. Their prices are just right and I don't mind a car-ride

Yes, we do have a deep-freezer and so do my parents. I plan on giving them several as well

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I hope it goes well too

 

[Big George]

Can I ask where and who the processor is? Last year I did it myself would be nice to have another option. Thanks

 

[augustmomx2]

Quote:
Sure, The State Board of Animal Health gave me these to processors in Indiana:

Jacob & Martha Miller
J & M Poultry Farm
14053 W. Fagan Road
Cambridge City, IN 47327
765-489-6290

AND

Sunshine Acres
11855 W 250 N Poultry # 671 Voice mail 574/642/1300 ext. 3102
Middle bury, IN 46540

HTH!