Hamster0425
Chirping
Good morning!
We have been raising egg layers for 8 years, and are talking about finally adding meat birds to our farm. I have a few questions though before committing.
Does anybody *not* use a tractor method? I can easily cross fence about 450 square feet of our layer space for the meatiest and would prefer to keep them in that space permanently. I could let them into the bigger area on occasion.
Exactly how much work would they be? I envision dealing with food and water daily and adding straw as needed, but somebody suggested I may be way underestimating the amount of work. We have two small children, so free time is not our strong suit right now
For coop design, I'd like to be able to use this space for layer pullets as well (not at the same time as course.) Is there a good way to dual purpose this space?
If it matters we are planning on 25 birds to start, either cornish cross or freedom rangers. I'd like to be able to move up to 50 at a time eventually. We do have a place where we can process them.
We have been raising egg layers for 8 years, and are talking about finally adding meat birds to our farm. I have a few questions though before committing.
Does anybody *not* use a tractor method? I can easily cross fence about 450 square feet of our layer space for the meatiest and would prefer to keep them in that space permanently. I could let them into the bigger area on occasion.
Exactly how much work would they be? I envision dealing with food and water daily and adding straw as needed, but somebody suggested I may be way underestimating the amount of work. We have two small children, so free time is not our strong suit right now

For coop design, I'd like to be able to use this space for layer pullets as well (not at the same time as course.) Is there a good way to dual purpose this space?
If it matters we are planning on 25 birds to start, either cornish cross or freedom rangers. I'd like to be able to move up to 50 at a time eventually. We do have a place where we can process them.