Minnesota!

[KlopKlop]

11 more chickens in the freezer. its pretty much full now. 10 were 11 week old CX that were small turkeys, to be honest. My scale couldn't handle a whole one, but all of the breasts weighed in at 50-55 oz. I kept one whole to be smoked in a few days after it rests. After all your talk about brining, i probably will try it.

The 11th one was the first Dixie Rainbow to be processed. He was only 5 lbs after cleaned and gutted, so not too impressive. The hatchery said they should be 12-14 to process but i figured i would see what one looked like naked. The remaining 20 are going to get some expanded quarters starting tomorrow to see if we can't beef them up a bit. I have 9 pullets and 11 cox left and I haven't yet decided how many pullets will get a pardon for next years breeding 'experiments'. I am looking forward to trying it because I haven't ever tried mating and hatching eggs before.

 

[Cyrus83]

Well I made it back from Vermillion and only ended up with 7 chicks hatched. I was expecting a dozen but the little silkie hen left her eggs early, I think the heat was to much for her and she gave up. But she has teamed up with the other hen and they are both mothering the seven chicks.

 

[scandiafowl]

Well I made it back from Vermillion and only ended up with 7 chicks hatched. I was expecting a dozen but the little silkie hen left her eggs early, I think the heat was to much for her and she gave up. But she has teamed up with the other hen and they are both mothering the seven chicks. 

Can't say I blame her at all!

 

[gofeedthegirls]

Last night had a pack of yotes yippin pretty darn close to the house. Probably within 300 yards. Fortunately the chickens are fine, but this morning I just gave them access to the run and not gonna free range them today.

 

[Mistahbue]

Quote:
Thanks Minniechickmama,

Always interesting to hear other opinions. I'm getting the chickens for eggs to sale - and maybe if someone else handles the ugly part they might be dinner some day.

I thought when chicks were ordered that the Mercks vaccine was mandatory. I'm learning something new everyday. Thanks!

 

[holm25]

Last night had a pack of yotes yippin pretty darn close to the house. Probably within 300 yards. Fortunately the chickens are fine, but this morning I just gave them access to the run and not gonna free range them today.

We had a pack within 50 yards of the house a few weeks back and I was nervous and couldn't sleep at all.

 

[Mistahbue]

I do not know anything about Mareks or its vaccine. Are you sure that is not what you are dealing with Mistah?

I don't know Rhetts. This little gal is a fighter. For the last two days she's stood up without flopping. Today she's back to tottering over and not being able to stand. I read up on stargazing and interestingly enough one article said it started with paralysis of feet then moved up. Been trying to add some things to her diet -- yesterday morning I added honey to her mix. Last night she was able to hold her head totally upright to eat.

Next feeding today she gets another dose of honey.

 

[holm25]

Thanks Minniechickmama,

Always interesting to hear other opinions. I'm getting the chickens for eggs to sale - and maybe if someone else handles the ugly part they might be dinner some day.

I thought when chicks were ordered that the Mercks vaccine was mandatory. I'm learning something new everyday. Thanks!

I thought it was mandatory too. We acidently vaccinated a batch of chicks and they seemed a lot weaker than our other chicks.
Never will that happen again.

 

[holm25]

I have to get some pics of some of my EE roos today. They have gotten so pretty its crazy! One looks like a Lakenvelder but taller and has a beard and cheeks.

 

[Mistahbue]

Last night had a pack of yotes yippin pretty darn close to the house. Probably within 300 yards. Fortunately the chickens are fine, but this morning I just gave them access to the run and not gonna free range them today.

We get them running along the ridge at the back of our property and mercy it sounds like they are in the backdoor! Had a couple of owls out and active last night. Still trying to get a firm count of the guineas. They roost in the barn but I've heard owls will come inside a barn if they suspect an opportunity for a midnight snack?