Meat birds- purchased as eggs?

[RoosterML]

We don't have a barn and I feel our situation is best suited to only a small number of meat birds and they would mostly free range or be set up like our cockerels were towards the end. We are only interested in maybe a dozen to start. Not sure we want to overcommit ourselves on the first attempt.

Wise choice, you will love it, personally I grow mine out in a walk in A-frame tractor. I wouldn’t do it any other way.

 

[aart]

We don't have a barn and I feel our situation is best suited to only a small number of meat birds and they would mostly free range or be set up like our cockerels were towards the end. We are only interested in maybe a dozen to start. Not sure we want to overcommit ourselves on the first attempt.

Best to have separate housing for CX.

 

[bhawk-23]

Wise choice, you will love it, personally I grow mine out in a walk in A-frame tractor. I wouldn’t do it any other way.
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What dimensions is your A-frame? How many does it accommodate? How often do you move it?

Best to have separate housing for CX.

For health reasons? Could broody set and hatch and then we take them away after a week or two?

 

[Molpet]

I give a broody a few eggs when I put eggs in the incubator. Most of my hens are part CX and tend to break the eggs. Last one had 6 eggs broke 4 and hatched 2. I gave her 12 chicks from the incubator. One disappeared at about 5 wks, I assume hawk.

 

[bhawk-23]

@RoosterML

How do you make that predator proof and weather safe?

 

[RoosterML]

What dimensions is your A-frame? How many does it accommodate? How often do you move it?

For health reasons? Could broody set and hatch and then we take them away after a week or two?

The A-frame is roughly 10x10, I will have 25 in there. When they are small I move it about every 2 days. Towards the end I move it twice a day. They are pooping machines. If it looks to soiled I move it. I do have nice clean birds when it comes to processing time. I also open the door and let them out into the field.

 

[RoosterML]

@RoosterML

How do you make that predator proof and weather safe?

It is 2x4 welded wire, last year I added a 2’ high band of 1/2” hardware cloth along the bottom after a bobcat reached in and injured 2 birds. It has metal roofing to keep the rain off of them.

 

[aart]

I give a broody a few eggs when I put eggs in the incubator. Most of my hens are part CX and tend to break the eggs. Last one had 6 eggs broke 4 and hatched 2. I gave her 12 chicks from the incubator. One disappeared at about 5 wks, I assume hawk.

Have you ever had a broody successfuly hatch out and raise a CX?

 

[Molpet]

Have you ever had a broody successfuly hatch out and raise a CX?

I had 1/2 CX eggs hatch under a br from a townline hatchery CX pullet.

 

[bhawk-23]

Have you ever had a broody successfuly hatch out and raise a CX?

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