I want to throw my two cents in here to you both as well.
Being someone that was raised up around farms in the midwest, and then marrying into a family from Arkansas who were chicken farmers, I can see both sides of the story here.
My in-laws got out of chickens because they would run their operation the same way that many of us run our small operations, just on a very much larger scale. They had plenty of room so the birds were not compacted, the houses were clean, etc. I venture to say that their birds were just as clean as anyones from BYC's. They did not have illnesses because of the clean conditions, therefore, didn't require the medications. These operations did require additional labor to ensure good conditions.
None of the birds they raised ever had beaks trimmed and, although not free ranged, were probably as happy as they could be.
They were basically forced out of operation because of the contracts with the industry that made certain requirements that would have forced higher numbers and worse conditions that they were not willing to put the birds through. It is a shame that these companies have the kind of strength over the farmers that they do, and therefore they retired instead of bowing to them.
But, on the same token, being around small farms my whole life, I have seen some of the most deplorable living conditions imaginable for any type of animal. And that is truly sickening as well.
So I think that we have good and bad on both sides of the fence here folks. And I think that all of us here on BYC's are truly trying to do the right thing and thats all we can do. I wish it was different, but I don't think theres much any of us can do about it at this point other than keep supporting each other and trying to educate each other through our own trials and tribulations. While I am only a beginning chicken farmer, I truly appreciate everybodys input on my issues and questions, and you are really making it a more rewarding and fun decision to raise chickens.
So, let's all have a great evening, and keep passing out all of the pointers and tips, I for one, appreciate it very much!
Being someone that was raised up around farms in the midwest, and then marrying into a family from Arkansas who were chicken farmers, I can see both sides of the story here.
My in-laws got out of chickens because they would run their operation the same way that many of us run our small operations, just on a very much larger scale. They had plenty of room so the birds were not compacted, the houses were clean, etc. I venture to say that their birds were just as clean as anyones from BYC's. They did not have illnesses because of the clean conditions, therefore, didn't require the medications. These operations did require additional labor to ensure good conditions.
None of the birds they raised ever had beaks trimmed and, although not free ranged, were probably as happy as they could be.
They were basically forced out of operation because of the contracts with the industry that made certain requirements that would have forced higher numbers and worse conditions that they were not willing to put the birds through. It is a shame that these companies have the kind of strength over the farmers that they do, and therefore they retired instead of bowing to them.
But, on the same token, being around small farms my whole life, I have seen some of the most deplorable living conditions imaginable for any type of animal. And that is truly sickening as well.
So I think that we have good and bad on both sides of the fence here folks. And I think that all of us here on BYC's are truly trying to do the right thing and thats all we can do. I wish it was different, but I don't think theres much any of us can do about it at this point other than keep supporting each other and trying to educate each other through our own trials and tribulations. While I am only a beginning chicken farmer, I truly appreciate everybodys input on my issues and questions, and you are really making it a more rewarding and fun decision to raise chickens.
So, let's all have a great evening, and keep passing out all of the pointers and tips, I for one, appreciate it very much!
