Dumbest Things People Have Said About Your Chickens/Eggs/Meat

[Pokerface]

As that I haven't been faced with this aspect of raising, I cannot say how I would/will react. I do hunt and have no qualms about taking deer, rabbit, squirrel etc. Now having only done this for a month, I can say I've spent more time with these chicks than I have with any other pets I've ever owned. But then I never had "pets" to provide me food either.

 

[7 Biddies]

As that I haven't been faced with this aspect of raising, I cannot say how I would/will react. I do hunt and have no qualms about taking deer, rabbit, squirrel etc. Now having only done this for a month, I can say I've spent more time with these chicks than I have with any other pets I've ever owned. But then I never had "pets" to provide me food either.

I've had chickens for 2 years and, although I have named them, talk to them, watch them, and am constantly entertained by them, I never considered them to be "pets" per se. They are part of the food production system on my property and garden helpers. They provide eggs, compost, help control bugs and weeds, and, one day, will make soup. I treasure them, and wouldn't want to be without them, but they're easily replaced (I'm currently raising a second flock who will replace my present layers in the fall), so I never thought of them, or wanted to think of them, as "pets". I have to keep that distinction clear in my mind, otherwise they would become a very expensive hobby.

(See my previous post about feelings vs rational thinking. I can't allow my emotions to get in the way of doing what's right, practical, or intelligent. I may have lived most of my life in the south but, by birth and upbringing, I'm a practical Yankee. I only own things that I can actually use. If they can be enhanced in some way so that I can appreciate them asthetically, as well, like my chicken coop, all the better.)

 

[poodlechicks]

I've had chickens for 2 years and, although I have named them, talk to them, watch them, and am constantly entertained by them, I never considered them to be "pets" per se. They are part of the food production system on my property and garden helpers. They provide eggs, compost, help control bugs and weeds, and, one day, will make soup. I treasure them, and wouldn't want to be without them, but they're easily replaced (I'm currently raising a second flock who will replace my present layers in the fall), so I never thought of them, or wanted to think of them, as "pets". I have to keep that distinction clear in my mind, otherwise they would become a very expensive hobby.

(See my previous post about feelings vs rational thinking. I can't allow my emotions to get in the way of doing what's right, practical, or intelligent. I may have lived most of my life in the south but, by birth and upbringing, I'm a practical Yankee. I only own things that I can actually use. If they can be enhanced in some way so that I can appreciate them asthetically, as well, like my chicken coop, all the better.)

I too consider my chickens as my partners in the garden. They contribute with their manure to make good compost and help me with bug control. I treat them with respect, take very good care of them and love to watch their antics, but I don't consider them as pets. I keep them for their eggs. Because they free range (well, on a very big fenced area so they think they free range and also because they are not very meaty, I never thought of having them for meat. Not having the guts to process them myself also contributes I do admire those who can process their own meat, though. I will have to work out the logistics on what to do with them when they are older and egg production starts to drop.

 

[Bethel3330]

That's true, I hadn't thought of having someone else do the processing. Thanks very much.

The chickens we have right now are pets, I didn't get them with the idea of eating them, so they will never be a meal for us. We have talked about getting some in the future that might work for that, if I can ever get past the idea of it. I just have a feeling that once I get them here and take care of them it will be very difficult to do. :/

You're welcome. I'm worried about that as well. I think going into with the idea of what their purpose is going to be may help. I don't know, though, first time. I can cull layers if they start having problems but I know I probably won't be able to when they slow down producing. They'll be feathered pets in retirement if they've been lucky enough to be named so far only one of those but there's bound to be more. I've joked with the hubby about swapping with the neighbors,giving an old one to them to eat and they do the same later. I can eat one I don't know. ;-)

 

[7 Biddies]

To get back on to the point of the thread: A member of my organic feed co-op has about 30 chickens ... the family owns a chiropractic/wellness center in ATL where they sell the eggs ($6 per dozen).

Anyway, even though he has roosters, he buys 16 week old pullets to replenish the flock instead of just breeding his own. The roosters are there just to fertilize the eggs because they're "healthier" than unfertile (let's not debate this point ... it hasn't been proven one way or the other, yet, and continues to be highly controversial). I'm just looking at this from a business point of view - wouldn't it be more cost effective to let a few hens brood some of the eggs?

 

[vehve]

To get back on to the point of the thread: A member of my organic feed co-op has about 30 chickens ... the family owns a chiropractic/wellness center in ATL where they sell the eggs ($6 per dozen).

Anyway, even though he has roosters, he buys 16 week old pullets to replenish the flock instead of just breeding his own. The roosters are there just to fertilize the eggs because they're "healthier" than unfertile (let's not debate this point ... it hasn't been proven one way or the other, yet, and continues to be highly controversial). I'm just looking at this from a business point of view - wouldn't it be more cost effective to let a few hens brood some of the eggs?

Not really, you'd have eggs at least 20 weeks earlier with almost POL chickens. At let's say 5 eggs a week, they'd be missing out on 100 eggs per chicken, that's 50$. Initial cost of a POL bird in the states is what, 30-40$? Plus you miss out on egg production for the broody/electricity for an incubator and you have to feed the little buggers until they actually start producing and you won't be making any money off of them for almost half a year at least.

Add to that the time and energy spent on caring for chicks, plus the need for separate lodgings in the beginning, I'd say it's not a bad idea if you really get that much for the eggs.

And it's my understanding, that keeping roosters in the flock adds to the hen's psychological well-being, and it also offers a bit of protection if you free range.

*Edit* My goodness that was a lot of typos and rewrites.

 

[enola]

My hens lay better when the roosters are taken out of the flock. I only keep the roosters with the hens during breeding.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There was some research I read about that said pullets start laying sooner if a rooster is present. They didn't even need to be in the same pen, they only had to be able to see them.

 

[subhanalah]

There was some research I read about that said pullets start laying sooner if a rooster is present. They didn't even need to be in the same pen, they only had to be able to see them.

I believe it, my easter eager laid at 17 weeks and my RSL started at 16 weeks. All the eggs have been fertile.

 

[mandtroof]

I believe it, my easter eager laid at 17 weeks and my RSL started at 16 weeks. All the eggs have been fertile.

How do you know of an egg is fertile?