Michigan

[michickenwrangler]

Quote:
I know this, but the thought of killing a chick (even a 2 month old one that bites me) makes me feel guilty. Buy yes, even my full grown EE rooster wpuldn't yield much meat. Well, I'm keeping one of my EE cockerels, found a home for the other, guess maybe I should cull the last one soon ...

 

[Mom 2em All]

Quote:
Something dispatched my little New Hampshire cockerel yesterday. Went to close up the coop and only saw two youngsters instead of three. A quick search and I found him dead next to the garage. I have no idea. They have just started venturing away from the mama for extended periods of time.

I have what appears to be three cockerels and three pullets- or at least they will be eventually- of the Old English Game banties. They all look identical except one has a large red comb, and two others have larger combs but they arent red. Time will tell, always does. If thats the case and anyone wants a pair let me know. They are five weeks old right now and so little!

Everyone do okay overnight with the storm that rolled through? I was up most the night with a stiff neck/sore shoulder but I must have missed the storm. My husband reports that there was quite a mess going on out there- thunder boomers, hard rain, etc. I heard the rain at some point when the dogs decided they wanted to go outside. They changed their mind when I opened the door.

Everyone have a great day- I work nights tonight. Lots to do until then.



edit to add:
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Must have been a powerful rain storm- my entire yard is a lake. The ducks are having a party- what a mess.

 

[Henny Penny04]

Quote:
Thanks for your thoughts. My husband usually gets rid of the roosters as soon as they crow, but this year he mentioned we should let them get bigger- raise them for food. We've never done that, although have discussed the idea of getting meat chickens this summer or next. We're definitely not in this to save money, that's for sure. With the cost of feed, the coop and run we keep redoing, it's a hobby. I like the idea that by raising our own eggs, we aren't contributing to the industrial farming complex. We stopped eating meat, unless we are guests in someone's house, for the same reasons. Around here, to purchase a butchered chicken from a farmer (or the processor), it's pretty expensive. But I have these chunky little roosters looking up at me... maybe it's not worth the trouble.

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
This is actually highly dependent on both breed and the rearing environment. If you're raising ornamental breeds -- EEs, Sultans, Hamburghs, Polish, et. al. -- buying $15/bag Layena or the like and keeping them penned 24/7 then yes, it's best to go ahead and cull ASAP. But there are a good number of breeds -- many of which are known for egg laying today but were once dual purpose or even meat breeds -- whose cockerels make nice table birds and they absolutely can be raised out economically. I do it every day.

I hear you. We usually "dispatch" our roosters, but I think I might be finally able to raise them to eat. Seems a waste not to, now that I think of it (don't tell my kids). We been vegetarian for years and years, but lately have wanted to add pasture raised meat to our diet from time to time. What's a good age to harvest a rooster that's not a Cornish X?

If you have an ornamental breed Opa's advice is sound, otherwise, for the dual purpose table birds you're looking at 14-20 weeks for best results. The exact age will depend on the breed, strain from within that breed and your rearing method. Some breeds are faster growing than others, some strains within a breed are faster growing and penned birds will grow slightly faster than free ranged birds.

Contrary to popular belief even with free ranged birds with wide ranging abilities the meat will be tender at this age. It will also be infinitely more flavorful and the texture is incomparable. You can grill, sautee, bake, roast, fry... the sky is the limit. Enjoy!​

 

[Henny Penny04]

Thanks Opa and Olive. We have EE's, BO's, silkies, and something TSC is calling a Commercial Black Chicken (?) in the brooder. Wishful thinking that they are all pullets. Already, of course, there are several that are getting their red combs and wattles. Surely the BO's will be big enough if they're cockrels, and we might just go ahead and try it with the EE's. Maybe it's not practical, but for the first time, I'm open to trying it. Even if it's not economical. So... eight more weeks it is. I appreciate the insight.

 

[fifelakelooper]

Does anybody here have any info on the cost and how long it takes to get NPIP for Michigan?? A person in the U.P asked us before and I thought someone would jump in that knew...but no one did. Opa? Olive?? Anybody??

 

[keyt1969]

Quote:
Something dispatched my little New Hampshire cockerel yesterday. Went to close up the coop and only saw two youngsters instead of three. A quick search and I found him dead next to the garage. I have no idea. They have just started venturing away from the mama for extended periods of time.

I have what appears to be three cockerels and three pullets- or at least they will be eventually- of the Old English Game banties. They all look identical except one has a large red comb, and two others have larger combs but they arent red. Time will tell, always does. If thats the case and anyone wants a pair let me know. They are five weeks old right now and so little!

Everyone do okay overnight with the storm that rolled through? I was up most the night with a stiff neck/sore shoulder but I must have missed the storm. My husband reports that there was quite a mess going on out there- thunder boomers, hard rain, etc. I heard the rain at some point when the dogs decided they wanted to go outside. They changed their mind when I opened the door.

Everyone have a great day- I work nights tonight. Lots to do until then.



edit to add:
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Must have been a powerful rain storm- my entire yard is a lake. The ducks are having a party- what a mess.

I may have the same banty, but not sure yet if it's a roo or hen. If it's a hen I'll want a roo!

 

[RIRJen]

((sigh))....it's one of those days. I really wish we could get rid of money and go back to the bartering system. I'll give you this you give me that...sounds so much better. Or more like I'll help you with what you need if you help me with what I need. I would love that. I can't wait to get my garden in this year and to start canning...hard work but in the winter there is nothing better then opening up a jar of something you canned. We openned our last jar of the salsa we canned last year a couple weeks ago...definately can't live without that

 

[keyt1969]

Quote:
I totally agree with that. Like last night we got a perfectly good fridge for 4 dozen eggs. We all do bartering here whenever possible. With Aric and Angellica unable to find jobs and me never allowed to work again, we're always looking for ways to trade items/work!

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
Sorry, no help here. We'll just say my politics border on Anarchism; NPIP isn't exactly my cup 'o tea.

Have you contacted your extension office?