First-timer, considering some broilers...

[possumqueen]

If predators are your concern, then indoors works all right. In that case your least work solution would be deep bedding. As in REALLY deep bedding.

If you can spread shavings once or twice a day to cover the poo, then you'll keep them clean AND produce some of the best compost you ever saw. Their daily contribution, combined with shavings, layered up for seven or eight weeks will produce a lot of heat, so that cool spring temps won't cause you any trouble. That heat will cook that deep bedding and prevent bugs and germs. You leave it lay for a few weeks after the chickens are gone, then you dig out some very nice, BLACK compost that will grow some of the best tomatoes you ever ate.

The really important thing for deep bedding is to keep it from getting too wet. Make sure they can't tip or splash their waterers.

The next important thing is to try to give them greens of some kind, and sunlight of some kind. Those are the two things most missing in commercially grown birds.

It is some extra work, but you get a lot back.

 

[bigredfeather]

You can have a predator proof tractor.

[/img]

I have many predators in my area, and have never had a problem.

 

[Wynette]

possumqueen - sounds like it might be a good idea to do a small batch inside (maybe just 10) for my first experience, just to see if I like the meat, can deal with the extra work, etc. I do like the idea of awesome compost for great tomatoes! Then, build a way kewl tractor like...

bigredfeathers!!! WOW - that is really, really neat. Are the plans on here somewhere? If so, would you direct me to them?

My other issue other than predators is that we don't have the $ to build a tractor this year. DH lost his job over a year ago, and we're on a super tight budget. But, if we plan carefully and watch for roadside scrap, we could probably get one built this year to use next year.

Thanks so much for all your feedback - it's been super useful!

 

[EGGTASKTIC]

I would say you are on the correct path starting with 10 or so.

I had some in the barn and they are messy little things- stinky poop machines.

I moved to the tractor method and am glad i did. The mess is a lot less to deal with. Plus they are eating bugs and grass.
I know I don't have more than 30.00 or so in my tractor- the only thing I bought was wire and hinges. I was able to scrounge and recycle for the rest. No $$$ for bedding.

skinning is fine and a good way to go without a plucker.

I would stick with cornish x. Them seem to do best when temps are between 50 and 70. You will need to figure on at least 15 lbs of feed per bird to about 8 weeks. Maybe a little more if confined inside or if you keep longer.

I would try to line up some help for processing if you can.

good luck

 

[Wynette]

Thanks so very much, EGGTASTIK! I've got help lined up for processing already... I knew off the bat I'd need the help, never having done this before. I think this will be an interesting endeavor. I'm still a bit "iffy" on it, but leaning more toward getting a few & raising them in a horse stall this spring, then next year, getting more and building a tractor if we like it! Thanks again!

 

[possumqueen]

bigredfeather, that is a GORGEOUS tractor!!

Wynette, go for it! Actually, doing ten for practice could even turn into your regular number. Ten would be an easy care number that you could string along with most of the summer.

about your DH and his job situation. I have so many friends in the same boat. My heart aches for my friends AND you. Hang on, sis. maggie

 

[cluckcluck42]

Just wondering if anyone has a good way to skin chickens? We are also getting broilers this summer and we don't have a plucker, so I am in the same boat!!

We are going to make a chicken tractor for ours.

 

[possumqueen]

Quote:
try this post: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=36358

it's graphic. just thought I'd warn ya.

 

[halo]

That is a sticky-worthy thread.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Get 10 of them and put them in the stall. They will have more than enough room and this way you will not get overwhelmed with the manure. That's over 10 sq. feet per bird... plenty big enough.

Especially if you can't be with them for hours on end the barn is where it's at.... give them some alfalfa hay to scratch around in so it keep them busy. Good luck with them! You will be pleased with your results... and you never know after trying them you just may build yourself one of those nice chicken tractors!

Good luck!