My DH and I are having a disagreement and I could use some help. This is our first time raising meaties. Our 40 Cornish Rock X are 7 weeks old today and in 6 days we have experienced friends coming from out of town to help him process. He thinks he should do the roos this weekend because they are getting so big, he is afraid they will start dying. I think they look okay and we should wait for help. Is there a way to tell if they are getting too big? They lay around a lot but still get up and run for the food when they see us coming! :lol Here's a pic of the little buggers:
your birds look great!!! you can sort of see signs of CHF they will start wheezing a bit and want to lay down after a few steps (more than the others). also their combs start to get a dusky look, just a bit darker but heading towards purple.
maybe your husband wants to prove that he can do it himself. why don't you let him to start with a few roosters? you don't have to butcher all of them at once. cut one at a time and see how many you can do together. you continue next week, with your friends.
your birds look very healthy!!! IMO-Id wait it out unless you see what Katy said-Hate to lose a bird days before the actual process date! good luck!!!
I think they look good. I agree that your husband should have the experience of doing it all himself though.... However, having just done 60 yesterday with a team of loyal friends I can say that the work for a 3 pound meal is the same as it is for a 5 pound meal and since yours are looking good right now I would let them grow some more. IMHO, anyway. So I guess what I am saying is...there are lessons to be had by all no matter if you do it this weekend or next Congrtulations on your healthy, homegrown meat...
I agree with some of the other folks - I think DH has a case of "I want to do it myself!". I did my CX roo batch at 7 weeks and they dressed out at 5lbs...and that was 5lbs of a LOT of meat. Let him pick out 2-3 of the ones he is "concerned" about, and let him go to town - and if you don't want to help, then tell him he's on his own (BTW, I do all of the processing at my house, DH only helps with the foodsaver. I like processing.)
LOL, you all are right on the money about my DH's "do-it-myself" mentality! I don't have a problem with him doing a few of the biggest roos, but he was going to do ALL the roos, so 20 birds which I think is a bit much since we have help coming in a few days and the birds are healthy. (I can't help since I've got my hands full with a 2 year old and a newborn!) So, he is just doing some of the big guys today and hopefully still have time to help me with the kids, too....ya know, it would be nice to get a shower or a hot meal every now and then!
