California - Northern

[ronott1]

Quote: I just read a thread about processing Marans--16 to 24 weeks. Since crowing does not bother you or your neighbors, you can wait until they are as big as you want them to be.

Question: for those that buy meat birds...is it cheaper to buy the meat strains OR buy the cockerels of a breed that makes a decent meat bird? Sexed males are pretty cheap from the hatcheries. Is there a disadvantage to buying sexed males of a breed that makes a good meat bird over buying straight run meat bird strains (often a hybrid)....

People raise dual purpose so that they can have both meat and eggs. The disadvantage is the amount of time it takes. The Broilers(Cornish Crosses) take less time, but can eat just as much feed. One post I read said that his 10 Cornish Crosses ate 200 pounds of feed and were drinking 3 gallons of water per day. Imagine the poo you would have to shovel. The crosses are prone to leg problems and a lot of them die.

You can get Brown or Buff Cornish as a meat bird. That one takes 10 to 12 weeks, so is in between the Dual purpose and Cornish Crosses. Delawares are supposed to be faster. There is a breed that is being worked on by a member in Kansas called a Kwanza Ranger that is supposed to grow fast. I have posted before about the Freedom Ranger.

I think Papa Brooder hatched some meat bird eggs from Debi, who sells at the Elvirta Feed Store. If so, how are they Jeff?

Ron

 

[CowgirlJules]

zoowemama, it's a lot cheaper to buy the meat bird chicks. They're what, about $1.10? When you consider how long you have to feed a packing peanut (6 months wouldn't be too short, depending on the breed,) the meat birds eat a similar amount but for a much shorter time. They're way more efficient at putting weight on. There are some threads in the meat bird section where people have actually done the cost analysis. o

 

[ronott1]

zoowemama, it's a lot cheaper to buy the meat bird chicks. They're what, about $1.10? When you consider how long you have to feed a packing peanut (6 months wouldn't be too short, depending on the breed,) the meat birds eat a similar amount but for a much shorter time. They're way more efficient at putting weight on. There are some threads in the meat bird section where people have actually done the cost analysis. o

Thanks!

I will probably hatch some out from the Elvirta feed store. They cost $1.00 each.

Ron

 

[zooweemama]

zoowemama, it's a lot cheaper to buy the meat bird chicks. They're what, about $1.10? When you consider how long you have to feed a packing peanut (6 months wouldn't be too short, depending on the breed,) the meat birds eat a similar amount but for a much shorter time. They're way more efficient at putting weight on. There are some threads in the meat bird section where people have actually done the cost analysis. o

Gracias! That's awesome. I am totally going to hunt that down- thank you so much!

 

[zooweemama]

I am so amazed with everyone's knowledge on chickens and your willingness to share! Thank you!

I did do my homework on the 2 breeds I chose. (buff orps and bc marans) Great dual purpose birds- supposed to be tasty eggs and meat. I read that Buff Orps carcass color is not desirable to some...since it's just for my family- I could really careless about that. I know there are some strains that lay better and some that are better for meat- but I wanted both qualities. I needed proven birds that could handle our weather. (yay for your sharing some local breeders info with me!) So for the occasional supper- my route is ok. But if I want to stock my freezer and money is a factor- then it looks like meat birds are a way to go.

So I think as I move along in my journey- I can maybe find a rhythm with how many birds I need for eggs- and cycle them every 2-3 years so that we process the ones past their laying prime and each year we would allow hens to sit on some eggs- keeping what we want and selling off the rest (or letting them get big enough to process). I am reading my books slowly but surely. But I think at some point I will occasionally want to introduce a new line of my breed to keep from too much inbreeding right? Lots of stuff for me to learn over the next few years for sure! We are all more comfortable processing our chickens than our ducks (this is likely the opposite for some) and I know we will sometimes happen upon a hen that will name and keep as pets. But for the most part- keeping only 2 breeds - i HOPE helps us too keep ourselves a little separated.

Some people couldn't imagine eating their birds and I respect that. I am so glad there is a mix of that here so I feel cool about taking about it. I've encountered a few sites/threads where people were horrified that others eat their chickens. Gosh I felt instant guilt! LOL

I think waiting until just before full sexual maturity will give me both a chance to pick the cockerel we think fits us best for a Roo and have enough meat on him to warrant the processing- right? I don't want a bunch of cock fights. Seriously that would stress me out!

 

[Hangtown Farms]

Oh No, is that one of your Icelandic babies... How is it doing today?

yes seems better somewhat today. probably just stepped on

 

[Hangtown Farms]

Cooper how is your chick today? Leg any better? I hope it's not anything serious!

seems better. I do not think it is sick so we will see. She was running around with the rest when I got home. good sign I take it

 

[ronott1]

Quote:
I am glad to hear she is better.

Ron

 

[Disco Hen]

Anyone want sizzle chicks? I have pictures of both parents...

 

[roostorf]

I'm in Fortuna, just south of eureka, does that still count as north?