GEtting comfy with meaties?

[Henicillin]

I've been following the meat birds section of the forum for over a year now, and have gone from intrigued by the idea of raising meat birds but a little bit squeamish to believing that it would be extremely rewarding to be involved in every step of production, from raising to processing to preparation. The more threads like this I read, the more I want to try raising some meaties. It probably won't be until next year, though, as we're still working on raising the laying flock.

Speaking of the layers, when we first entertained the idea of getting chickens, I didn't want a rooster, as I didn't want to have to deal with getting rid of excess cockerels. Now, however, thanks to all the time I've spent lurking on this section, I think I'd be able to raise and process the extra guys myself. After all, I see no reason that I should put all the time and feed into raising them just so somebody else can have a good chicken dinner. They would just be destined to become food anyway, so they may as well become OUR food. With any luck, at least one of the straight-run Sussex chicks I just bought is a cockerel who will be pleasant enough and good enough to the girls to act as a flock roo and sire some nice mixed-breed heavy birds. If not, no problem (watch - they'll all be pullets because I WANT a roo). If I posted "nice flock rooster wanted" here or on Craigslist, I'd probably be inundated with offers!

 

[trulyblessed]

And yes I totally agree with showme31 as far as the "mess" and work. I won't be sad when their day comes.

 

[Jschaaff]

Quote:
Keep in mind there are so many variables for each person raising meaties...we all have different personalities and often different expections. We buy from different hatchery's....we raise our meat birds in different climates, different day/night temps, a lot of us have different space and time availabilities to care for them (ie cleaning poo!!), some choose to free range, some raise exclusively in tractors or coops. We choose different feeds...different beddings... etc etc etc...

Each persons experience is slightly different, but hopefully just as rewarding as the next.

Personally, I loved having my meat birds (Cornish X's), and though I enjoy the culling process (weird I know, but honest), I was VERY sad after they were gone...a kind of emptiness I guess... and am enjoying every moment I can with my new batch of 25. I don't get attached per se, but I see how sweet they are, and enjoy being around them. I do not name them, but handle them often. The kids know they are food, but that they can play with them, knowing they WILL be eating them eventually. The choice is theirs whether to be involved with them, as far as picking them up and petting etc... They choose to, and ended up having no problem eating the first one this weekend (of course they are older, 11 and 13).

The Cornish were/are a lot of work, they can be dirty, but again, everyone's situation is different. I happen to have a set up that worked great for me, the birds were pretty darn clean, and grew healthy and happy (well, until DS didn't lock them up and something ATE 3 of them

)

Whatever you decide, remember, it will be a little different for you, than the next guy or gal, because your situation, set up etc....will be a little different...but it CAN be a fun, fabulous experience.

-Jessa

 

[Denninmi]

My kid begs to help all the time with the birds. He would probably eat one raw if he had the chance. Of course, he is a springer spaniel, and just can't imagine why his stupid human keeps birds in cages and then has the audacity to tell him NO BIRDS!