I'm sort of starting up a plan to produce free-range whole grain fed meat birds in my area. I have tons of interest. Everyone I talk to about it, wants some, almost immediately. This fall I've done sort of a test on the typical cornish crosses, but using the pastured method, Salatin style. I've not been very satisfied with the overall result of the system. The meat produced is fine, nice plump birds, 6lbs or a bit more at 11 weeks (yes, I waited too long, I've been working like a mad man to get my plucker built. I've long ago learned that hand plucking is not the way to go.) One thing I dont like is that I have to move them at least twice a day, even at more than 2 square feet per bird, and still end up with birds covered in poo. This doesn't look good to consumers. I'm planning on building a tractor large enough to hold either 250 or 500 birds that I move on acre paddocks every so often, depending on circumstances. I've also learned that these birds tend to have a lot of issues, especially with the legs, and with what appear to be heart attacks. Once they got over 8 weeks or so, large, healthy looking birds would just drop dead.
My question is, does any one have any experience with either the Moyer K-22 or the Ideal Red Broiler? I understand that supposedly these dont have the leg problems that the normal cornish crosses do. I'm specifically wanting to know if they have reasonable weight gain. I'm aiming for 6 lbs at 10 weeks on average. Also, will they roost? Mine now could not roost if they wanted to. I really would like a meat bird that can roost, to prevent filthy carcasses, even if it's only 6 inches off the ground. Also, is there any info on how the carcasses look dressed being red instead of white? I assume a well plucked red bird would look just as good as a white, as I've had speckled sussex that I've dressed out that look just fine, obviously with much less meat though.
I'm just curious if there are folks with experience regarding these out there. The k-22 is almost half the price of the ideal bird, but the ideal bird claims better productivity. I'm not sure. Heres links to the too birds:
https://secuservices.com/ideal/newideal/selectproduct.aspx?qty=1&ID=RBS&Product=402
http://www.moyerschicks.com/MC-Web/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=37
My question is, does any one have any experience with either the Moyer K-22 or the Ideal Red Broiler? I understand that supposedly these dont have the leg problems that the normal cornish crosses do. I'm specifically wanting to know if they have reasonable weight gain. I'm aiming for 6 lbs at 10 weeks on average. Also, will they roost? Mine now could not roost if they wanted to. I really would like a meat bird that can roost, to prevent filthy carcasses, even if it's only 6 inches off the ground. Also, is there any info on how the carcasses look dressed being red instead of white? I assume a well plucked red bird would look just as good as a white, as I've had speckled sussex that I've dressed out that look just fine, obviously with much less meat though.
I'm just curious if there are folks with experience regarding these out there. The k-22 is almost half the price of the ideal bird, but the ideal bird claims better productivity. I'm not sure. Heres links to the too birds:
https://secuservices.com/ideal/newideal/selectproduct.aspx?qty=1&ID=RBS&Product=402
http://www.moyerschicks.com/MC-Web/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=37
