Newchickmom2023
Chirping
- Aug 1, 2023
- 30
- 59
- 61
Someone else learning at 40 I see, ...maybe she'll feel better knowing someone else is just starting at 60 LOL. I've been in some "chicken groups" on FB, but FB is just too time consuming LOL. .Last summer we bought an old farm house with buildings and 3 ac in WI, just outside the MN twin cities. We like the slower pace, and the quieter neighborhood (as opposed to the busy neighborhood, and traffic in the metro), but there's always work to be done, and sometimes, I just want to nap LOL. We currently have 4 buff orp and a RIR ( a sub in for one that didn't make it in shipping) pullets, and a Buff Orp cockerel (oops) 16 weeks. My husband just finished building a fun little chicken gazebo/tractor (out of pieces of an old 'gazebo shelter' and some "creative engineering"). They're loving the chance to get out and peck a little, as they were quickly outgrowing their former outdoor shelter (an XL dog kennel). Seems to be a few predators around, and because I didn't do "chicken math", and get extras, I kind of feel like I need to be a bit more protective of my little flock. We will hopefully eventually have a couple of separated runs built. Their current "coop" is an old "silo room" (think metal building attached to the front of an old silo). It's working well, though we need to get going on some type of nesting boxes, as well as finishing insulation for these cold winters.
Looking toward next year, I'm considering meat birds, but would like to seek out something OTHER than Cornish cross. They're just bred to eat and eat themselves into oblivion, and many people that have them just talk about how disgusting they are. I'd like to consider something a little less fast growing, I've been told the Heritage breeds (like our Orps) that are dual purpose would be good. I came across something called a Delaware Hampshire cross (aka Indian River chicken) that is a decent egg producer, and grows to a good size for meat production fairly quickly....however, I've only found one hatchery that carried them, that was Cackle Hatchery, and they have a note on their website saying they've "discontinued that breeding program". I would like to keep my orps for at least 3 years or until production slows significantly. I don't have a huge interest in culling any of them right away (unless Mr. Roo turns mean, which so far, he's been fine). I really don't feel like I have enough to start culling right away.
I would love to get some suggestions either where I can find Indian River chickens, OR other breeds you've had success with in meat birds beside Cornish cross. I did see something called a Freedom Ranger (Freedom Ranger Hatchery)that is bred for fast growing meat production, but it sounds like their characteristics would be similar to cornish cross. This company did have another "broiler chicken" called Jackie Chickens that sounded like they'd be a bit slower growing...would love to know more about them. Just trying to plan ahead on this as much as I can.
I'll attach a couple pics of our "tractor" just for fun
Looking toward next year, I'm considering meat birds, but would like to seek out something OTHER than Cornish cross. They're just bred to eat and eat themselves into oblivion, and many people that have them just talk about how disgusting they are. I'd like to consider something a little less fast growing, I've been told the Heritage breeds (like our Orps) that are dual purpose would be good. I came across something called a Delaware Hampshire cross (aka Indian River chicken) that is a decent egg producer, and grows to a good size for meat production fairly quickly....however, I've only found one hatchery that carried them, that was Cackle Hatchery, and they have a note on their website saying they've "discontinued that breeding program". I would like to keep my orps for at least 3 years or until production slows significantly. I don't have a huge interest in culling any of them right away (unless Mr. Roo turns mean, which so far, he's been fine). I really don't feel like I have enough to start culling right away.
I would love to get some suggestions either where I can find Indian River chickens, OR other breeds you've had success with in meat birds beside Cornish cross. I did see something called a Freedom Ranger (Freedom Ranger Hatchery)that is bred for fast growing meat production, but it sounds like their characteristics would be similar to cornish cross. This company did have another "broiler chicken" called Jackie Chickens that sounded like they'd be a bit slower growing...would love to know more about them. Just trying to plan ahead on this as much as I can.
I'll attach a couple pics of our "tractor" just for fun
