Housing Meat Birds

[kellypepperk]

This was our first year with chickens. We ordered 7 CX along with the rest of our cold hardy dual breeds. Here are our "Big Mamas" at 1 month old. Born on 4/21, pix taken 5/21. This shows a great size comparison of the the chickens.




and here they are June 8. We harvested them June 13. They all dressed out around 4 lbs and very plump!


This year hubbs has relented and agreed that we should pen them separately as we're bumping from 7 to 25. We will be using an old truck cap and making our own sort of tractor with that as the main component. Just like with the rest of our buildings - we're just going to have to start and see where it goes.
Based on our experience this Spring we will certainly do another Spring batch and then be more prepared for a late Summer batch.
Good luck!

 

[TamTurkey]

It's funny seeing them with other chickens. What Fatties! They look very good!

Great Job!

 

[kengland]

I'm going to try raising 30 FR's this spring. I'm planning on free ranging in the pasture during the day. With that said, I'm thinking I'll use a few bails of hay as housing. I'll place a piece of plywood over the top and at the front. At the end of the of the process, I should be able to compost the hay and store the plywood. I'd rather not have a permanent structure lying around. Does anyone see any problems with this?

 

[mmktdox]

I would be concerned about predation. Bales and hay and a piece of plywood are easily moved by coyotes and I think even a couple of determined raccoons could find their way in and eat your dinner before you get a chance to!

 

[redsoxs]

I would be concerned about predation. Bales and hay and a piece of plywood are easily moved by coyotes and I think even a couple of determined raccoons could find their way in and eat your dinner before you get a chance to!

X2! I agree. Hawks may be a menace as well.

 

[TamTurkey]

Chickenwire and T posts are fairly cheap and easily removed. Or use the baking ring with chicken are on top and around

 

[campcabo]

We tried meat birds for the first time last year and learned a lot. We made a chicken tractor which was nice to move them around to be less messy but we will probably try something different this year because we need more birds. The tractor worked well if we only have 10-15 MAX but this year we will start with 20-30. I my self am researching the best housing for outside free ranging. I think a wooden or pvc frame with chicken wire and maybe a tarp for shade may be the way I go?? We will see. You can see a pic of the tractor on my blog. www.4acresandachick.blogspot.com

 

[wyoDreamer]

campcabo- have you thought about doing two sets of meat chickens? Alot of people do a spring flock and then a fall flock so they have room in the freezer for other things besides chicken.

 

[campcabo]

wyo dreamer, that is a great idea. It is just harder for me to find the chicks that late in the year. I may have found one place that offers them once a month but I not sure of their variety. But I never thought of the freezer space. Thanks

www.4acresandachick.blogspot.com

 

[TamTurkey]

Im buting a freezer today. Fun