Arizona Chickens

[Bobby Basham]

Like ground cockerel patties?

Maybe just shred it and make a small pot of dumplings. I would only be cooking for one person.

 

[BlueBaby]

Well, I have a rooster over here that I do not want for breeding, but I don't know how to butcher. Might just have to cull him and throw him in the garbage? Anybody want a rooster let me know?

 

[Bobby Basham]

Just an opinion: I like the fact that some of you choose to hatch during the cooler months. It gives the chicks time to grow a little, then get weaned off the artificial heat just in time to get gradually acclimated to the coming warmer months. Just speculating...do they fare better than chicks hatched in the middle of summer of 100-plus degrees?

 

[BlueBaby]

Just an opinion: I like the fact that some of you choose to hatch during the cooler months. It gives the chicks time to grow a little, then get weaned off the artificial heat just in time to get gradually acclimated to the coming warmer months. Just speculating...do they fare better than chicks hatched in the middle of summer of 100-plus degrees?

I like doing my hatching best in June, July, and August. I seem to be able to hatch out more chicks successfully in my incubator during that time frame. Also, the chicks can be moved outside faster without worry of them freezing, and they have time to adjust before it does start getting colder, and they are born late enough during the year that they won't be going through that first winters molting.

 

[Bobby Basham]

Well, I have a rooster over here that I do not want for breeding, but I don't know how to butcher. Might just have to cull him and throw him in the garbage? Anybody want a rooster let me know?

Well, I have an idea, but really don't want to get in to butchering these boys.

The Humane Society website has a section called "Surrender a Pet." It charges $15 for other non-cat/dog animals, including fowl.

I'm thinking of going that route and throw in a 10-lb bag of feed to help. I named them Amos & Andy from the old radio shows back in the 50's and 60's (?). They need all the funds and help they can get. They're just a few streets west and north from OK Feed & Supply so I can make two stops in one trip.

 

[Bobby Basham]

I like doing my hatching best in June, July, and August. I seem to be able to hatch out more chicks successfully in my incubator during that time frame. Also, the chicks can be moved outside faster without worry of them freezing, and they have time to adjust before it does start getting colder, and they are born late enough during the year that they won't be going through that first winters molting.

So sorry, I didn't factor in the consideration that incubators can be a little finicky during different times of the year. That does make sense.

 

[cactusrota]

This is where being on facebook has its benefits...
There's a guy in San Tan Valley: Jacob Kelly, aka. AZChickenman, aka. A-Z Chickens. Does "rooster roundups" around the valley. Takes them in and finds good homes for them. No butchering, no cockfighting. If you're on his route he'll come pick it up, or you could bring it to him. People praise him all the time for how good he is about it.
He has a phone number listed on his A-Z Chicken page if you want it.

 

[Bobby Basham]

This is where being on facebook has its benefits...
There's a guy in San Tan Valley: Jacob Kelly, aka. AZChickenman, aka. A-Z Chickens. Does "rooster roundups" around the valley. Takes them in and finds good homes for them. No butchering, no cockfighting. If you're on his route he'll come pick it up, or you could bring it to him. People praise him all the time for how good he is about it.
He has a phone number listed on his A-Z Chicken page if you want it.

Where is San Tan Valley?

 

[MagicChicken]

How about seasoning them and using a pressure cooker, maybe with some veggies and other goodies thrown in?

Young birds are tender enough to grill or roast. I save the stewing for older birds.

 

[MagicChicken]

Just an opinion: I like the fact that some of you choose to hatch during the cooler months. It gives the chicks time to grow a little, then get weaned off the artificial heat just in time to get gradually acclimated to the coming warmer months. Just speculating...do they fare better than chicks hatched in the middle of summer of 100-plus degrees?

I hatch from eggs I collect in the winter because I want birds that will lay when there isn't much daylight. Plus I have trouble keeping ants out of the outside brooder when the weather heats up. Also the big poultry show in Tucson is in November, and I want my birds to have time to grow out before show time. My breed is slow to mature and they need time to get anywhere near standard weight.