First Time With Cornish X's

[jdaly91215]

Great thread! Thanks for posting all of this. We just got 8 meaties 6 days ago and I'm always looking for more info. What is that shrink bag all about? I want them!

 

[Coralietg]

Great thread! Thanks for posting all of this. We just got 8 meaties 6 days ago and I'm always looking for more info. What is that shrink bag all about? I want them!

I got the shrink bags from Texas Poultry Shrink Bags. You put the chicken in the bag neck first, put a little tube in the end and wind the top of the bag around it. Dip the whole thing into boiling water for 5 seconds, and the air pulls out. You wait about 10 seconds, then quickly take the tube out and secure it with a zip tie. The kit I got came with the little freezer labels too. I only had 16 at the time, but I got the 50 set ($25.95) as it was only $5 more than the 25 set. Should last me a long time!

 

[jdaly91215]

Thanks! Seems better than buying a vacuum sealer.

 

[SmokinChick]

http://www.cornerstone-farm.com/shrink-bag
This is what I use. Enjoy!

 

[Bethel3330]

http://www.cornerstone-farm.com/shrink-bag
This is what I use.  Enjoy!

Thanks for the link!

 

[HeatherBell]

Arg! question! or maybe questions!

This is my first experience with meat chickens. I have a Cornish type that is suppose to be ready in 7 weeks. They are growing at a good pace, but I'm worried about their over all health. Right now I have them in a pen in my garage with hay bedding that I add more to everyday to keep it clean. (In my garage due to low temps at night.) But their backsides are red. I'm not sure if they are irritated or just not attractive. It seems that the breeder gave me a mix of ages. I have about five that are larger than the rest and have feathered out except their backsides, and under their wings. Is this normal? should I worry? I've never given a chicken a bath, but I'm pretty darn close to finding out if its possible.

Suggestions?

My layers are just so easy to take care of, I had no idea all the fuss meat chickens would be. lol! I feed and water them three and four times a day... and keeping up with their bedding... good lord!

 

[LindaB220]

I left the lonely one to age in the fridge for 48 hours, and tested out a shrink bag today. It worked really well!



He was one of the smallest males, and I'm extremely happy with his end weight. I'm actually quite scared of how big the ones outside are, I hope they fit into the bags!

Coralie, are these for sale or for your family. You might have to go with the bigger bags like the roaster bags you buy at Thanksgiving. For right now. Next time you will be prepared for size.

 

[Coralietg]

Coralie, are these for sale or for your family. You might have to go with the bigger bags like the roaster bags you buy at Thanksgiving. For right now. Next time you will be prepared for size.

These are just for our family. The bags say they fit 5lbs to 10lbs, will soon see!

 

[Coralietg]

Processed 5 males and 1 female yesterday. I must admit I made a comment a couple of times about how I'll never want to do 25 at a time, which was my original fall plan. It's a lot of work. Not to mention that resting 6 chickens, takes up half my fridge!





They were 8 1/2 weeks old when we processed. Weights (processed) were:

Males:
5.5lbs
6.3lbs
6.7lbs
6.2lbs
6.8lbs
Female:
5.36lbs

I had originally planned on starting processing when they got to 6lbs, for 4lb processed weight. So we have some pretty hefty chickens! Didn't get any live weights before, I didn't want to stress them out any more than I had to.

Remaining 7 females will likely be processed late next week.

 

[LindaB220]

Processed 5 males and 1 female yesterday. I must admit I made a comment a couple of times about how I'll never want to do 25 at a time, which was my original fall plan. It's a lot of work. Not to mention that resting 6 chickens, takes up half my fridge!





They were 8 1/2 weeks old when we processed. Weights (processed) were:

Males:
5.5lbs
6.3lbs
6.7lbs
6.2lbs
6.8lbs
Female:
5.36lbs

I had originally planned on starting processing when they got to 6lbs, for 4lb processed weight. So we have some pretty hefty chickens! Didn't get any live weights before, I didn't want to stress them out any more than I had to.

Remaining 7 females will likely be processed late next week.

Coralie, outstanding set up you have. This is the first time I've seen it. La. specifications and all?