11 wk update, 77 days old:
Well, we've processed all the roosters except 1, maybe 2 (think one is a roo, not quite sure, but we'll find out soon enough!). Been working in batches of 5, so we've got just 2 batches remaining. I noticed a little bit more fat tissue on the last batch done yesterday - but it's NO WHERE NEAR what I cut off of store bought chicken, so it's so minimal in my book! Still weighing about 7lbs per rooster with a dressed carcass weight of about 4lbs. Not as large as anticipated, but plenty big for the first go 'round.
The hens will be next - and some are still on the smallish side, we'll see how they fare. I've left one roo (the barred one in some of these photos) to protect the flock. It's funny, he seems to 'get it' that he's been chosen as flock keeper! He's guarding the girls very well and leading them around.....just like a regular ol' chicken.
Seems odd to have so few in the pen. While I'm thankful for the meat in the freezer - it's strange to go feed them and have to consciously remember, 'oh, wait, they won't need THAT much food!'.
We've got new Java chicks from our first ever broody - a second broody has an egg that's pipped this morning. So, I'm very much looking forward to filling the pen with Java's instead of Rangers. But these Rangers have been incredibly great birds - active, curious, thundering pigs on stilts. Will do another batch in the fall. So we'll be posting about processing in the cold instead of the heat!
Next processing day will be late Sunday. If I get another picture of the Rangers, I'll post it - I seem to be taking a lot of chick pictures lately!