Freedom ranger report 7 weeks in

[Poupoulles]

Picked them up from the processor yesterday. WOW! They look terrific. They look a lot like the CX, with bigger legs, but a full double breast. Can't argue with those results, just wish raising meat chickens were as fun as raising laying hens or turkeys.

Here is what we had for dinner: That's my lettuce too.

 

[mmktdox]

Congratulations, everything looks delicious and all home raised/grown! The only thing I can see that's wrong is the wine glass appears to be empty!

 

[Life is Good!]

So what was finished weight at 7wks? I ask because that's where we're at with our batch of FR. Most seem a bit smaller than this, some larger - and yes, some of our 18roos are starting to 'gargle' crow. Only 1 has started to figure it out, and he's not yet found his volume knob, so he's super quiet! Funny!

Yes, these have huge legs also and their chests wiggle when they run. Ours have enjoyed being out on pasture, and they do chase the bugs...but they surely don't forage as well as our Javas. However, our FR are intesively curious - EVERYTHING must be inspected, so they have been getting good exercise here. Flying is a favorite pasttime, although their skills are quite diminished now that their chests get in the way! Think Dolly Parton trying to hang glide - that's the mental picture of 'em in action!

Overall, our FR are more friendly than our Java's, who tend to be rather aloof. Perhaps because they know I'm the feed lady? Our Java's have 24/7 feed available, so they know me as the treat lady only - that's made a difference here. So when I'm in the run, the FR's have GOT to come see what's what - except when I've got that nasty, scarey shovel! The wheelbarrow isn't scary, but the shovel is?! Go figure.....

 

[Poupoulles]

They were processed at 9 weeks and the weights on the whole birds went between 3.8 - 6 lbs dressed. Live weights were between 6-10lbs.