Local farmer just offered 22 meat chickens-7 weeks. Should I get them?

[Crazy_For_Chickens]

I would get them, but I'm new.

 

[chickenannie]

Quote:
I'm happy to have them, but truthfully, it means more work for me! I'm very busy already, and now I have to fix up a pen for them -- That was the one thing that is a bit of a downer. Plus I'm a bit concerned for them in this cold weather (nights go below freezing.)

I'm wondering if I should just give up on the whole pastured thing and raise them inside the barn.

 

[silkiechicken]

With 22, I'd just start dressing a few here and there as they grow so you can have some fresh meat over the next month and more space for the growing ones. Good luck!

 

[chickenannie]

Wow, these 22 little guys are heavy and shaped like little bowling balls. I kept calling them "the fatties" at work today because they ate and ate and ate and ate. They did NOTHING else.
After having "normal" chickens that run and scratch and cluck, I can see why people refer to the commercial meat breed as heavily inbred. The poor things don't have nice feathers, and they seem completely bogged down by their oversize and weight -- like an obese toddler who wants to jump around but can only waddle short distances. There's an "ick" factor in it all -- even though we all eat this type of chicken when we buy from the grocery store. It will be a good experience for me, but I'm not sure I'll do it again.

 

[ams3651]

I agree with the suggestion of starting to process them a little at a time not because I have experience but because I wouldnt have the time or money to put into them. Ive heard they just eat constantly and are stinky and with the cold snap we are in right now they should have a nice warm place to go. Good deal though, let us know what you do with them.

 

[Daycare Mom]

I would take free meaties in a heartbeat. No matter what the size. Good for you, I bet they will be great eatin'!

 

[chickenannie]

The chickens are doing great, and growing. I cannot believe how much they eat! One of them has a distorted giant leg on just one side -- I think it's due to inbreeding. it causes the bird to hardly be able to walk. Anyone ever heard of this?

 

[willheveland]

Quote:
Does the whole leg look oversize or mainly at the joint?I had some go lame before and the joint in their leg looked swollen or puffy but was not soft.It was rock hard.
Will

 

[estpr13]

I too would start processing them a little at a time. I processed some 2 to 3 pound meat birds as cornish hens and cooked them up 4 at a time. Made a good meal for 6 adults.

 

[Cason]

Free? Wow! Start processing and call 'em Cornish Hens