Chronicles of Raising Meat Birds - Modern Broilers, Heritage and Hybrids

[Molpet]

Oh, so one last question... how do you feel about letting the majority of the gals choose the keeper? Do they know something I don't? I figure it's only one factor to conside

I cut by size at usual harvest age and aggression first. If I have several left, which I usually do, I look for ones that tidbit and sometimes I do have one that the pullets tolerate better. The hens don't seem to like teens. Usually I keep a couple cockerels until spring.... its more apparent who they prefer.

 

[FortCluck]

Not butchering this weekend. We are way too busy. I’ll do it next weekend. It’s 92 out at 642 pm

 

[Morrigan]

Ick. That would be too hot for me to butcher as well.

 

[FortCluck]

Ick. That would be too hot for me to butcher as well.

I’ll wait till next weekend and do it really early like 6 am. DH works early tomorrow morning so it’s not possible to do it then. I could do it myself, but it’s a family thing.

 

[RUNuts]

I’ll wait till next weekend and do it really early like 6 am. DH works early tomorrow morning so it’s not possible to do it then. I could do it myself, but it’s a family thing.

Always better with help. Fantastic with someone you can stand. Amazing with loved ones.

I started early and skinning 5 took 2 hours. I was wiped out by the last one. Got them done. Glad I set my limit at 5. Plucking increases the time and lowers the numbers too. Know your limits.

 

[FortCluck]

Always better with help. Fantastic with someone you can stand. Amazing with loved ones.

I started early and skinning 5 took 2 hours. I was wiped out by the last one. Got them done. Glad I set my limit at 5. Plucking increases the time and lowers the numbers too. Know your limits.

I usually skin them and don’t pluck. I cheat

 

[aliciaplus3]

Our last set of cx had a large number of pin feathers at 8 weeks. Took my girls and I 3 hours to process 5 cx and 3 heritage birds that were 14ish weeks. But we have been practicing weekly. Less than 10 birds we have not been using the plucker.

 

[RUNuts]

Our last set of cx had a large number of pin feathers at 8 weeks. Took my girls and I 3 hours to process 5 cx and 3 heritage birds that were 14ish weeks. But we have been practicing weekly. Less than 10 birds we have not been using the plucker.

After I get tired, I promise myself to do detail plucking after they are thawed.

 

[aliciaplus3]

After I get tired, I promise myself to do detail plucking after they are thawed.

We are offering them at the farmers market so we only get one chance to get it "right" .... otherwise I might finish details later..

 

[RUNuts]

While sitting outside sweating my brains out, it occurred to me. The weather changed. The birds are not eating as much. Cause it is hot.

The last two days I went out at 5 to observe. The birds were in the taller part of the yard enjoying a nice cool salad before bed. Still food in the trays. I added more food and called and only a half dozen came to eat. The others stayed at the salad bar. This happened both days.

Anyone else noticed heat decreasing apatite? Seems I had the same comment last time I raised CX in the late summer.