Layer or Liar?

[ChickensAhoy]

Thank you Mace. I am doing my best to make sure they're happy hens. I've started ranging them with a movable fence, which is worlds better than always being confined to the barn. I have dreams of a movable coop since we're on 40 acres.

As we go forward, I think my aim to to work towards a dual-purpose flock. Something that will allow me to continue selling sufficient eggs to cover my feed costs, have some fun, and put meat in the freezer. I HATED raising the Cornish X this year, and am about to process some Red Rangers, but I'd love to have a single breed (or two) to work with. So yeah.... working on figuring that out. I have a LOT of learning before I get there though. And yes, Australorps appear to be awesome.

 

[wynn4578]

X3 Australorps are Awesome! For an all around chicken I don't know that any other breed beats then. As a meat bird they definitely hold their own, as an egg layer there may be some ties but none better.

 

[Mace Gill]

Thank you Mace. I am doing my best to make sure they're happy hens. I've started ranging them with a movable fence, which is worlds better than always being confined to the barn. I have dreams of a movable coop since we're on 40 acres.

As we go forward, I think my aim to to work towards a dual-purpose flock. Something that will allow me to continue selling sufficient eggs to cover my feed costs, have some fun, and put meat in the freezer. I HATED raising the Cornish X this year, and am about to process some Red Rangers, but I'd love to have a single breed (or two) to work with. So yeah.... working on figuring that out. I have a LOT of learning before I get there though. And yes, Australorps appear to be awesome.

Dual purpose breed suitable for SD climate. Your RIR are a good choice. Again, I'd also recommend Black Australorps, great layers and rich dark meat. Orpingtons lay almost as well and run a little larger than BA

 

[Wickedchicken6]

The way I look at the birds; if you go for production...you get more eggs but your hens will possibly burn out faster. So that means they will need to be replaced at an early age. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that.

A dual purpose breed...may not lay quite as often but will possibly lay longer. I've never factored specifics in cost but it costs quite a bit to feed up replacement laying stock. I figure cost probably isn't that far apart if you were to factor all costs over several years and average it. I'm a softy so I prefer to have the birds lay to an older age,hopefully. I've got Easter Eggers. They perform well as far as laying. I haven't slaughtered any so I'm not certain about that part of it...lol.

 

[Mace Gill]

The way I look at the birds; if you go for production...you get more eggs but your hens will possibly burn out faster. So that means they will need to be replaced at an early age. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that.

A dual purpose breed...may not lay quite as often but will possibly lay longer. I've never factored specifics in cost but it costs quite a bit to feed up replacement laying stock. I figure cost probably isn't that far apart if you were to factor all costs over several years and average it. I'm a softy so I prefer to have the birds lay to an older age,hopefully. I've got Easter Eggers. They perform well as far as laying. I haven't slaughtered any so I'm not certain about that part of it...lol.

We're casual folks ... not counting on the income for covering expenses ... industrial operations, I've read, turn their flock over at 2.5 years. I'd imagine if they're not already raising their own replacement stock, they'd be buying pullets near laying age. Fortunately, local laws permitting, one could label their pasture raised eggs as 'pasture raised' and at least charge a little more for them.

 

[wynn4578]

We're casual folks ... not counting on the income for covering expenses ... industrial operations, I've read, turn their flock over at 2.5 years. I'd imagine if they're not already raising their own replacement stock, they'd be buying pullets near laying age. Fortunately, local laws permitting, one could label their pasture raised eggs as 'pasture raised' and at least charge a little more for them.

One of the guys I work with has a small operation that supplies a few local stores and restaurants with eggs. I don't know much about his operation but I know his birds are coded by age. I also know he buys point of lay pullets because he says it's cheaper than raising his own. It's not a huge operation and according to him makes enough to feed the birds and add some spending cash for vacations. Not sure how many birds he has. obviously not getting rich or I doubt I'd still see him at work. Lol.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

We're casual folks ... not counting on the income for covering expenses ... industrial operations, I've read, turn their flock over at 2.5 years. I'd imagine if they're not already raising their own replacement stock, they'd be buying pullets near laying age. Fortunately, local laws permitting, one could label their pasture raised eggs as 'pasture raised' and at least charge a little more for them.

One of the guys I work with has a small operation that supplies a few local stores and restaurants with eggs. I don't know much about his operation but I know his birds are coded by age. I also know he buys point of lay pullets because he says it's cheaper than raising his own. It's not a huge operation and according to him makes enough to feed the birds and add some spending cash for vacations. Not sure how many birds he has. obviously not getting rich or I doubt I'd still see him at work. Lol.

That never occurred to me when writing...that's true many like to pick up their pullets at point of lay. Good points. I was thinking of the type of set up Wynn mentioned. Enough to help for vacations....that sounds pretty good he's doing that well.

Yes, definitely same here Mace, very casual here as well. I'm all about breeding the ultimate chicken in my mind; a very survival of the fittest type of genetics. I originally got a few chickens for yard candy to look at...but I should know better by now. Everything type of stock I buy turns into a genetic breeding experiment. Very much a passion...definitely not a money maker...I never sell much...lol. I hoard everything. You may have already noticed that.

 

[Mace Gill]

That never occurred to me when writing...that's true many like to pick up their pullets at point of lay. Good points. I was thinking of the type of set up Wynn mentioned. Enough to help for vacations....that sounds pretty good he's doing that well.

Yes, definitely same here Mace, very casual here as well. I'm all about breeding the ultimate chicken in my mind; a very survival of the fittest type of genetics. I originally got a few chickens for yard candy to look at...but I should know better by now. View attachment 1027756Everything type of stock I buy turns into a genetic breeding experiment. Very much a passion...definitely not a money maker...I never sell much...lol. I hoard everything. You may have already noticed that. View attachment 1027756

Chicken math ... I'll get ya every time.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Yep!

 

[wynn4578]

'I'll just have a small flock of three or fourrrrty chickens! Oh my Goodness! How did I end up with 60 chickens?! Wait is that guy selling Ameracaunas? I have room for 1 or 20 more. - chicken math.