Arizona Chickens

[SonoranChick]

We got some decent rain here in the Tortolitas, south of Picacho Peak area. A few days ago we were out working on the run in the rain, and I had my hand on the door to the coop when the wind literally RIPPED the door right out of my hand! I was standing there blocking the chickens, and our big mastiff was on the other side...luckily I think she was just as stunned as I was, so she didn't try to "meet" the chickens...dear hubby came to the rescue and Muscled the door shut but WOW lesson learned...Mother Nature wins everytime.

 

[DesertChic]

Withhold food overnight to clear out their intestinal tracts (makes the processing part cleaner), but make sure they have plenty of water right up until the end.
In prison you at least get a LAST MEAL..

I taught myself to process my own birds. I'm not going to pretend it's pleasant because it's not, but you CAN do it. For me it's a matter of knowing that I'm feeding my family the best possible food available.

I actually don't deny my birds a last meal anymore as I've found it easier to remove the crop when it's full, and yes, hydration is very important. Make sure they have water at all times. But like I said, check with the U of A. They may have a program to do it for you for a small fee.

 

[cactusrota]

Breakfast delivery! I've been setting this out every night in the front yard, and every morning I take it into the chicken pen on my way to let them out of the coop. Everyone bellies up to the bar to clean out all the tiny morsels then go on their way to all their other morning rituals. Extra protein for the feather butts and keeps the bugs away from the house.

 

[Parront]

Hi, we have moved to Prescott, AZ. I am new to BYC, I had chickens ages ago, and hope to again soon. I am in Prescott, looking for a country place still. I want to get messages from this area, so I am posting here. I used to butcher my own birds when I had them, now I just have 1 African Grey, no chickens yet.

 

[FeatherPugs]

"Hi, we have moved to Prescott, AZ. I am new to BYC, I had chickens ages ago, and hope to again soon. I am in Prescott, looking for a country place still. I want to get messages from this area, so I am posting here. I used to butcher my own birds when I had them, now I just have 1 African Grey, no chickens yet."
Welcome!! Nice to be in much better weather than where I am in Eloy/CG area - all flat desert. You - nice green grass, rolling hills.......but maybe SNOW in the winter months. It will work fine. Great conditions for raising chickens!! Enjoy - there are many knowledgeable folks on this board.

 

[Fishybiz]

Breakfast delivery! I've been setting this out every night in the front yard, and every morning I take it into the chicken pen on my way to let them out of the coop. Everyone bellies up to the bar to clean out all the tiny morsels then go on their way to all their other morning rituals. Extra protein for the feather butts and keeps the bugs away from the house. View attachment 1102268 View attachment 1102269

I like the idea. Just water in the bin?

 

[cactusrota]

I like the idea. Just water in the bin?

Yup, you can put a little bit of cooking oil in the water to make sure the bugs drown.

 

[Eighty806]

Hi AZ BYC enthusiast - I'm new to having chickens. First time this year in March. Bought 12 from TSC in mid March and some started laying about 2 weeks ago, I think the layers are sexed links. Even though I thought I bought pullets, I ended up with 2 RR roosters, 2 bantam roosters, one of them is a frizzle breed. I want to rehome one of the RR and the frizzle. Will anyone be interested? I'm in Rio Verde near Scottsdale.

 

[BlueBaby]

Hi AZ BYC enthusiast - I'm new to having chickens. First time this year in March. Bought 12 from TSC in mid March and some started laying about 2 weeks ago, I think the layers are sexed links. Even though I thought I bought pullets, I ended up with 2 RR roosters, 2 bantam roosters, one of them is a frizzle breed. I want to rehome one of the RR and the frizzle. Will anyone be interested? I'm in Rio Verde near Scottsdale.

Hello, and welcome! I hope that you can find homes for your roosters.

 

[Fishybiz]

Hi AZ BYC enthusiast - I'm new to having chickens. First time this year in March. Bought 12 from TSC in mid March and some started laying about 2 weeks ago, I think the layers are sexed links. Even though I thought I bought pullets, I ended up with 2 RR roosters, 2 bantam roosters, one of them is a frizzle breed. I want to rehome one of the RR and the frizzle. Will anyone be interested? I'm in Rio Verde near Scottsdale.

I think it's lame that places label the chicks as "pullets" but there is no gender guarantee. I bought at Shoppers Supply and there is no return if they aren't "pullets".