New Hampshire!

[serenityNH]

DownwardDog. It really is a great skill to learn if you are going to raise chickens. Believe me if I can do it, you can do it. I never in my wildest dreams thought I could kill an animal before I started raising chickens especially since I had been a vegetarian for 11 years, but now it's something I am very proud of. I'd be happy to answer any questions,I know it's hard to get started PM me if you want. We processed about 100 birds last year and plan to do the same this year.

Angie

 

[Paulyp]

So, where did you all learn to do this? Does it take much space and equipment?

Wednesday, march 6. 6:30 to 7:30 East Elementary school. 5 Andrews Lane, East Kingston John W Dodge ,PHD. will discuss raising chickens for eggs as well as meat birds. I was thinking of going as well. Maybe I will see you there.

 

[DraigAthar]

We process our own, too. We use a cone and a knife. We don't pluck, we just skin them. I learned how by reading LOTS online (I was so nervous the first time, I was afraid I'd screw it up and the chicken would have a miserable slow death, so I armed myself with every possible scrap of info I could find) and finally just trying it. Hubby used to hunt ducks as a kid, so he knew all about the cleaning part. We both had to just wrap our heads around how to dispatch them quickly and cleanly. I wanted to start hatching my own eggs, so I had to step up and figure out how to deal with all the extra roosters!

 

[OtterD]

Thanks for those pics, chicken pickin! Where are you located? I so wish there were mobile units who would come to you -- not so sure I can do it, or want to do it, myself! I'm a softy at heart....

I know of at least one mobile processor. But I believe you have to have quite a few chickens in order for them to do it. Something like 100. There is also one in Vermont that I know of but I'm not sure he can come into NH.

Ok, found it: http://www.fournierfoods.com/1.html . Not sure if the 150 number is a minimum or not.

 

[DownwardDog]

Wednesday, march 6.  6:30 to 7:30 East Elementary school. 5 Andrews Lane, East Kingston John W Dodge ,PHD. will discuss raising chickens for eggs as well as meat birds. I was thinking of going as well. Maybe I will see you there.

Ooh! That would be excellent! Do you have to preregister? I'll wear my green fleece (with a Downward Dog on it, of course) so you'll know who I am!

 

[DownwardDog]

DownwardDog. It really is a great skill to learn if you are going to raise chickens. Believe me if I can do it, you can do it. I never in my wildest dreams thought I could kill an animal before I started raising chickens especially since I had been a vegetarian for 11 years, but now it's something I am very proud of. I'd be happy to answer any questions,I know it's hard to get started PM me

Thanks, Angie, I will! I was veggie for a decade too, and I work with dogs, so it's a hard thing to overcome.

 

[kara1015]

I have a beautiful 5 week old blue wheaten ameraucana cockerel FREE to a good home if anyone is interested.

 

[DownwardDog]

Anyone know if it's legal in NH to sell your backyard eggs to members in a CSA? I'm starting a flock for me and a farmer friend, and we were thinking of selling any extra summer eggs to her CSA members. Thanks!

 

[DownwardDog]

I'm coming up with so many questions today!!!

Our local feed store is selling EEs and Barred Rocks from Mt. Healthy. Anyone have these breeds (and Sp.Sussex) from this hatchery? Are they healthy and productive? I'm thinking I might order from the store instead of dealing with possible dead or extra Roos being shipped to me from Meyer or Ideal. Ayone have any thoughts???

 

[DraigAthar]

Anyone know if it's legal in NH to sell your backyard eggs to members in a CSA? I'm starting a flock for me and a farmer friend, and we were thinking of selling any extra summer eggs to her CSA members. Thanks!

You may need a homestead license to do that. I know the rules allow you to sell eggs from your own home or from your own stand at a farmers market without requiring any sort of license, but selling through a CSA may qualify as selling through a distributor. The info can be found here:

http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/fp/sanitation/homestead.htm

And you can always email the NH Dept of Health and Human Services for clarification of any rule.