Did our first ever bird

[Erin80]

Neither of us liked the experience. I tried to find him a home, but nobody wanted him. His crow was so shrill and annoying, and he had kicked the other rooster out of the flock (who is quiet and sweet so far). Not to mention we had too many roosters.

I think it's because we raised him from a baby, and our chickens are really more like pets than anything. I love that they lay, but I can't see us harvesting another rooster. I made a soup out of him and didn't even enjoy eating it. It was just such a weird feeling, I felt almost barbaric. I know he had a great life here, and maybe it would have been different if someone just handed us a random rooster to harvest because there would be no connection. My husband and I both just felt bad!

We had plans to keep meat birds, but after that I think we will just stick to layers!

 

[Embalmergirl]

I only have layers & never intend to ever eat them, especially after giving them names & realizing they learn their own names. I can't even eat chicken anymore. Totally understand.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

First one is the hardest. It gets better. Supermarket birds are subjected to cruel and unusual punishment. At least yours had a happy life until the end.
It is the circle of life. Say a prayer and don't take the sacrifice for granted. Our first cow, first pig, chicken.. leaves an impression if you own a conscience. A conscience is a good thing to have. Makes you not take the meat dept at walmart for granted anymore.
It gets better, trust me.

 

[Erin80]

Thanks . I'm worried for the fate of our other two roosters if nobody wants them. Thankfully they are being good boys so far, so all is well!

 

[lilmarie84]

Im not looking forward to that day but I know it will be here before I know it just got my first flock this year and we got dual purpose for that reason that we want to be as self sustained as possible we started with chickens because we are in the city but in the process of moving to a more country setting we wont be harvesting til closer to this time next year our first flock is safe but whatever comes from them will be for harvesting so this year its just eggs next year will be eggs and meat

 

[RUNuts]

Amen Farmer Connie.

Give thanks. Knowing, for me, is better than the grocery store. So many people are disconnected from their food. The rest of world would love to have what we choose to dispose of. Hard to wrap your brain around that sometimes.

Make your choice. I made mine & will respect yours. Anything we can help with?

 

[Erin80]

I think we are going to play it by ear and cross bridges when we get to them. For now, we are good.

 

[abraga]

I wish I could grow and eat my own chickens! I bawl when i have to cull a sickly chick and feel bad for days! When i was a youngster we raised a few turkeys. My dad slaughtered them..but..i could not eat it. We have the land to grow our own meat...but both my husband and I are very softhearted. My chickens r a source for eggs..i know all thier quirks/personalities. I know what a horrible life that livestock endures when raised for meat. But I still can't eat my own animals.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I think we are going to play it by ear and cross bridges when we get to them. For now, we are good.

We had plans to keep meat birds, but after that I think we will just stick to layers

What works for me these days, only connect at a heath and well being level. Food, clean water and heath care. And the biggest rule of thumb.. DO NOT name them.
We just sent 2, 300# pigs to process. We raised them for 6 months plus. After 6 months of caring for something, it makes a huge difference if there is no personal connection. We just feed them and walked away. But our breeders are basically part of our family. We talk to them, pat and pet them. Sometimes hand feed them. If we were to lose one from health issues, it would be emotionally devastating.

We only cull roosters. If you don't bond with them, they become bossy, mean and ruthless. That too helps with the process when eliminating something mean and aggressive.

Another good way for your plan for meat birds... craigslist. It is full of ads for free roosters. Just quarantine them upon receiving, raise until you are sure of clean bill of heath, and finish them with corn and other types of feed which will add flavor and provide more yield upon process.
Just don't name and interact with your subjects, if you decide to go ahead with your original plans with raising meat birds.
After time you will find, the home raised birds, are soft, tender and succulent when compared to big production/hormone/steroid/genetically modified chicken, that you buy at the supermarket. They sell meat by the pound. So they cheat and get them as big and fast as possible, sacrificing quality for quantity.

Food for thought anyway. This helps me and my spouse.
Best regards,
Connie.
P.S. Spoil you egg maker ladies!