My first batch of meaties just arrived! 26 Cornish x

[Tre3hugger]

Once you get used to raising your own birds, it's hard to think about supermarket chickens again, isn't it?

Precisely! I sat my wife down and explained I could no longer buy chicken from the supermarket. If she wanted chicken year round, this is how we needed to do it etc... She is totally on board. The taste, the satisfaction, the honor that comes in sharing your sustenance's last moment. I have opened a door I can't/don't want to close.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Well my friends this is their last week. 8 weeks old today. Have two helpers coming wednesday to help me process thelast seven of this batch. Since I have the electric fence, I decided to give them the option of "freedom" during the day for these final few days. They seemed to really dig it. I think I will make this a habit, letting them out the last few days. It's heart warming to see them scratch and dust bathe. Here's some pics(ok a lot)

Might let one go a couple more weeks to use as a friendsgiving bird. Not sure. Either way it has been an awesome run with these guys. I appreciate everyone's advice and input.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Batch 2 I think I will try to work a bit more on my record keeping. Weights and such. Although I will say, because of BYC, I have a pretty cool photo diary of the whole experience. I am going to do a progression photo post in this thread in a little bit.

 

[Parront]

Well my friends this is their last week. 8 weeks old today. Have two helpers coming wednesday to help me process thelast seven of this batch. Since I have the electric fence, I decided to give them the option of "freedom" during the day for these final few days. They seemed to really dig it. I think I will make this a habit, letting them out the last few days. It's heart warming to see them scratch and dust bathe. Here's some pics(ok a lot)

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Might let one go a couple more weeks to use as a friendsgiving bird. Not sure. Either way it has been an awesome run with these guys. I appreciate everyone's advice and input.

They look good!

 

[3KillerBs]

Well my friends this is their last week. 8 weeks old today. Have two helpers coming wednesday to help me process thelast seven of this batch. Since I have the electric fence, I decided to give them the option of "freedom" during the day for these final few days. They seemed to really dig it. I think I will make this a habit, letting them out the last few days. It's heart warming to see them scratch and dust bathe. Here's some pics(ok a lot)

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Might let one go a couple more weeks to use as a friendsgiving bird. Not sure. Either way it has been an awesome run with these guys. I appreciate everyone's advice and input.

Such handsome birds!

 

[Tre3hugger]

3 days old

one week old

2 weeks

3 weeks

Day 29

Day 37

Day 46

Day 52

Day 56

 

[3KillerBs]

3 days old
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one week old
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2 weeks
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3 weeks
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Day 29
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Day 37
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Day 46
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Day 52
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Day 56
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Nothing "gross", "disgusting", or "Frankenchicken" about those beauties.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Nothing "gross", "disgusting", or "Frankenchicken" about those beauties.

Right! They're actually quite endearing

 

[Tre3hugger]

Finished up batch 1 yesterday. Biggest bird weighed 6 lbs dressed! Freezer is full!!! More meaties coming next week...life is good.

 

[karenerwin]

Finished up batch 1 yesterday. Biggest bird weighed 6 lbs dressed! Freezer is full!!! More meaties coming next week...life is good.
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So, have you gotten much faster at the whole process? I find that I can do the whole bird pretty quickly, but when I start parting it out into breasts, thighs, legs, my time slows way down.