I ordered a mixed flock of 25 pullets (minimum order) and the fellow I was going to sell most of them to, backed out of the deal after they arrived. I only want 5 for layers, but it's difficult to choose as I like 'em all. I have 5 of each, RIR, BL, BA, EE and NH, plus 1 roo that was a packing peanut. They are 8 weeks now and probably half grown. I was thinking another 2 weeks and then process 20 for broilers, even though they're small. Do I choose the biggest to keep, the prettiest, the friendliest, one of each?? ( I know the roo will be going, and he's my favorite) This is my first time at raising chickens, so I'm not too sure what to do. Any ideas will be appreciated.
At 8 weeks they will not be worth processing, in my opinion. Maybe post to see if someone in your area would want some of them. Or Craigslist to rehome them and recoup some of your investment between birds and feed. If you are choosing who to keep you need to decide what you want. Colored eggs, tempermant, egg size, how often laying, etc. Then go from there. Good luck in your decisions.
I guess I'm afraid if I sell or process most of them, with my luck, the ones I keep will have problems. I want to make sure I choose the best of the bunch for keepers, but I don't know what to look for. Actually, I have enough room to keep them all, but they eat a ton of food, and I'm not supposed to eat that many eggs.
my thought would be that at 10-12weeks, they will probably be in the 2lb live weight range?...That constitutes a game hen size bird of about 1.25lb dressed weight. That is a great meal for 1-2 adults when adding some sides, stuffing the bird etc, and making the most of your meal! I would say to just be sure that their live weights are 2lb (weigh them when the crops are not full)....and do not worry about the age (may be 10, 12, or 14-weeks). We unfortunately had 20-cornish get killed by the neighbors dog when they were between 2.5-3lbs and they have made VERY tasty meals thus far. To be honest, a larger bird for us would not be useful in that there are no left-overs after we are finished! Therefore, depending on your breed, you may even decide to take them a few more weeks (say 14-16) to get to that 3lb mark and make the perfect size freezer bird.
Thanks for all of your suggestions. I put them on Craigs list last night and they sold this morning. I kept 2 of each for my $100 egg supply this winter. Thanks again.
Quote:Free range them so you won't have to feed as much and sell the eggs. Or if you wanna try making your own food you can use an automatic maggot feeder, or raise your own insects and plants for feeding. for more info, pm me ETA: sorry I didn't see that they were sold but if you're still interested in raising your own food for the ones you have, then pm me
