Colored Rangers Grow Out Journal/ Video Added pg 11

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

How's progress on the 2nd and 3rd batch?

They are doing great. The 2nd batch will be ready in another few weeks. The third batch seems to be growing a little faster then the others did on less feed so far. I think the 2nd batch is going to consume just as much as the first ?? Our weather as been the oddest since I've been alive. 70's one day snowing the next day weird ???

Have you figured out a better way to get live weight?

Yes I can weigh them on my meat scale. I would have to get a piece of cardboard or something to go over the pan, but yes I can weigh them on a digital deli scale.​

 

[TimG]

Quote:
Yes I can weigh them on my meat scale. I would have to get a piece of cardboard or something to go over the pan, but yes I can weigh them on a digital deli scale.

I thought you were thrown off by what you called a "cheap scale" with the first batch. I've been on the lookout for a cheaper solution to weighing live birds than a digital deli or postal scale. Seems there should be a reliable and reasonably accurate method that doesn't cost much.

I think one of the produce scales that are hanging in the grocery store would do the trick, though I'm not really sure how I'd get a chicken to sit still in one, nor have I found one for sale.

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

I thought you were thrown off by what you called a "cheap scale" with the first batch. I've been on the lookout for a cheaper solution to weighing live birds than a digital deli or postal scale. Seems there should be a reliable and reasonably accurate method that doesn't cost much.

I think one of the produce scales that are hanging in the grocery store would do the trick, though I'm not really sure how I'd get a chicken to sit still in one, nor have I found one for sale.

Yes i was weighing them with a cheapo scale the first batch. I just did not want to use my digi scale to weigh them as it is not portable.

The hanging produce scales I have found are not cheap at all. I actually bought my deli scale cheaper then a hanging scale.​

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

We processed our second batch yesterday and the numbers stayed pretty consistent with the first batch.

Our FCR's did go up a bit, but we also had some bad weather and sudden cold snaps that was not suppose to be there so I think that accounts for the higher FCR's on the second batch, plus in that bad weather we did loose a couple that were older, due to piling.

Batch 2 - 5/5/09

Avg weight - 3.5 lbs

FCR - 5.4 : 1

Feed consumed - 1550 lbs

Cost per lb - $1.98

Cost per chicken - $6.98

Total lbs of dressed meat - 286 lbs


Our third batch and fourth are growing better and so far consuming less feed. Hopefully the weather will corporate we will get our FCR's down and avg. weight up.

Would like to see FCR's around 3.5 : 1 and avg weights 4+ Lbs.

 

[Sparklee]

Two questions that we're starting to think about with our little batch of 49 Colored Rangers at 2.5 weeks.

Electricity. Maybe you've figured the cost of electricity for the brooder for the whole time? If so, you are like Wonder Woman!

#2 What is the best time to discontinue the use of the brooder out on the range? Temperature wise. (Again, thinking of our costs.)

This journal has helped us so much. When I'm asked impossible questions (like how much feed should they be eating right now), I can easily reply, "Well, at Harp Turkey Ranch, they ...." Also, we would never have believed that the chicks could go outside at 4 weeks in Pacific Northwest weather like yours. You are an angel for posting this journal. Thank you!

 

[TimG]

Quote:
Do you have results to report from the 3rd and 4th batch?

 

[BeccaOH]

So how much per pound (or per dressed chicken) can you sell them for? (Maybe you already mentioned it and I missed it.) Thanks.

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

Do you have results to report from the 3rd and 4th batch?

They have gotten better on their FCR's since the weather got nicer. I don't have all teh numbers with me at this time, but I'll report them when I go out to the bird barn and get them.

But they ate about 1100-1200 lbs of feed and the last two batches we were averaging 4lbs a bird so they are doing better.

So how much per pound (or per dressed chicken) can you sell them for?

We sell ours for 2.50 a lb dressed or 8 dollars for alive. Others in our are sell them for 4.98lb to 8.98 lb for Cornish X's.

We believe in not robbing our community, but helping to supply them with quality foods at a reasonable price, do we make money ?? YES do we get rich ?? NO​

 

[OSUman]

i dont know if it has be asked yet but how predator proof is your hoop house and do you have the designs for it / how is it made?

I know that this could be stupid but im still wondering

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

i dont know if it has be asked yet but how predator proof is your hoop house and do you have the designs for it / how is it made?

I know that this could be stupid but im still wondering

They are pretty good. They ar made with 2x4's and cattle panels. The foot print of them are 9'x12'. So you build the base with the 2x4's and the arch and fasten the panels to the 2x4's with fence staples. then 2 2x2's on each end to support the arch. I then wrap the whole thing in 1" chicken wire panels front and back put a door on one end mine swing up and put a tarp over the top with 2 wheels in the back so you can move them. I have never had anything break in, but have had a coon climb in at the top where I did'nt have any chicken wire and eat a few chickens, but fixed that so no more problems since that.​