California - Northern

[zooweemama]

Makes total sense! So I want to shoot for around 20 weeks or so. I'm glad I don't 'have' to wait until until 6 months- which is what I was thinking. The sooner we get them done, the less feed I have to dole out and less time they are around to develop personalities that we notice. Downside to a small flock I guess- you reallllly can't help but know all your birds. Thanks so much for explaining Ron!

(edited for brain fart. kids talking to me while i typed.)

Well I guess 16-20 weeks then...20 weeks would be more flavorful right though?

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

That is great!

Later I will post some pictures of my Cream Legbars and EO Basque Cockerels so you(and Capay Kim and all who want to) can help me pick the best one or two of each. Those are tougher since there are no American Standards for them, but we can check into the General standards.

Ron

Sounds good

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Speaking of butchering, I don't do any. But my neighbors will take the mean ones and turn them into enchiladas

Zooweemama, My DH and I wanted to butcher our 2 cornish X ourselves but didn't know anyone who could walk us through it. Instead, we watched several YouTube videos in preparation. Then, on butcher day, we set the laptop on the table (outside) and played and paused our favorite video as we actually did the processing ourselves. It worked great for us and was so nice to replay anything that was confusing. Overall it was a good experience and surprisingly easy. I'm not sure if we'll do it again (because we don't "need" to) but at least we know how. Oh, and we still have the slip-not hanging in the pine tree, just in case we do! Good luck!

Thats an awesome idea! I can't believe I didn't think of it. I'm such a you tuber too! Thanks!'
If it doesn't make sense - I blame autocorrect. Sent from my sweet iPhone 4s.

Hi Amy,

I won't be processing for a couple of weeks.

You can do it with a guide as well as the you tube videos. There is a guide here--Use a very sharp knife and not a scalpel:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-process-a-chicken-at-home

You really can't mess it up--even a bad job that looks ugly will still taste good

Ron

 

[Meg2000000]

Quote: I marked it! I think I will cry like a baby the first time I do it.

Good luck Amy Beth! I feel for you!

 

[zooweemama]

Good luck Amy Beth! I feel for you!

Thanks Meg!

I think I will have to keep reminding myself what it looks likes towards the end. I think the first time will be the hardest? I won't ever totally be 'cool' with it but it's a means to an end and we do eat meat in my house and it seems like such a waste of such quality meat when I have 4 kids- just to CL them. (what i keep telling myself) I paid $18 each for these guys lol. It's going to be a candle lit dinner kinda night I tell ya!

 

[chiqita]

While we are on the topic, does anyone know a place in the south bay to get your rooos processed?

I can deal with the quail. But I'm NOT looking forward to defethering. Id rather have it done unless its outrageously expensive.

We are members of a group that is putting together a FDA approved kitchen, and I'm trying to talk them into getting some chicken processing equipment, but I don't know if I'm talking fast enough...

And Ron, that's is amazing! that is family history. My great great (or so) grandfather was supposed to have been a volunteer firefighter for the 1905 earthquake. I remember seeing a picture in a book my grandma owned that was supposed to be the back of him facing the city on the bay with a hose.

But when i tried to pin her down later the was 85 and her memory was foggy on details. remember people write this all down while you can!

 

[ronott1]

While we are on the topic, does anyone know a place in the south bay to get your rooos processed?

I can deal with the quail. But I'm NOT looking forward to defethering. Id rather have it done unless its outrageously expensive.

We are members of a group that is putting together a FDA approved kitchen, and I'm trying to talk them into getting some chicken processing equipment, but I don't know if I'm talking fast enough...

And Ron, that's is amazing! that is family history. My great great (or so) grandfather was supposed to have been a volunteer firefighter for the 1905 earthquake. I remember seeing a picture in a book my grandma owned that was supposed to be the back of him facing the city on the bay with a hose.

But when i tried to pin her down later the was 85 and her memory was foggy on details. remember people write this all down while you can!

I only know about the one in Sacramento. They have a $50.00 min. charge and the $2.75 per chicken after that. PapaBrooder was going to be taking a bunch there for processing.

Some people make pluckers out of old washing machines.

I think my relatives lived in the GrassValley New Castle area during the SF Earthquake. My Great Grand Parents moved to San Francisco after that and my Grand Parents lived in the San Jose area Until the 1950s.

For those in the Grass Valley New Castle area, The last names were: Endirch and Pingree. I think there are Pingree's up there still.

Ron

 

[lawatt]

hi everyone --

it took four *intense* days of work, especially with the unnecessary drama from one neighbor, but then thanks to the generous assistance of another (especially with hanging with wire mesh), we managed to get the new chicken coop finished -- here it is last night, when my friend was just finishing the last bits of the roof:



and i attached the last side of wire mesh skirting this morning -- and installed the two cuckoo marans pullets! they seem quite astounded, i don't think they've ever seen this much space before in their 6-week lives:



I've put them in the henhouse part initially, figuring they'll get used to it & then explore out from there when they're feeling braver (not so far today, at least that i've seen). but it feels so good to have a nice airy space for them, and to have it done for the time being! i need a rest from hammering...

and my complainy neighbor seems to have quieted down again, which is a relief.

the cool ocean air is starting to blow in here (Penngrove), so hopefully those of you inland will start cooling down soon too!
best,
laura (and dixie and ethel, which i think are going to be the names of the two pullets)

 

[mendocinosunris]

hi everyone --

it took four *intense* days of work, especially with the unnecessary drama from one neighbor, but then thanks to the generous assistance of another (especially with hanging with wire mesh), we managed to get the new chicken coop finished -- here it is last night, when my friend was just finishing the last bits of the roof:



and i attached the last side of wire mesh skirting this morning -- and installed the two cuckoo marans pullets! they seem quite astounded, i don't think they've ever seen this much space before in their 6-week lives:



I've put them in the henhouse part initially, figuring they'll get used to it & then explore out from there when they're feeling braver (not so far today, at least that i've seen). but it feels so good to have a nice airy space for them, and to have it done for the time being! i need a rest from hammering...

and my complainy neighbor seems to have quieted down again, which is a relief.

the cool ocean air is starting to blow in here (Penngrove), so hopefully those of you inland will start cooling down soon too!
best,
laura (and dixie and ethel, which i think are going to be the names of the two pullets)

Wow - it looks great!
you did a fine job - dixie & ethel will be very happy with their new digs...

 

[Hangtown Farms]

I couldn't do it! I just couldn't kill the two sick chicks.. And Johnny was no help! I'm sure once we've done it once it'll be easier, but I'm just plain not ready. Shoot.

good set of gardening pruning shears works quick