Newbie geek learning to homestead

Date sort Score sort
chickengirl778 said:
I recommend Speckled Sussex and Barred Rocks as awesome layers! Buff Orpingtons are sweeties and averages layers too!
Click to expand...
I actually was thinking Barred Rocks. I found someone not too far away who does a rooster and two hens for flock starting which is exactly what I want. From what I've read they do good sized eggs, are good layers, and they are good meat too. Is that true? I was originally things Orpingtons but I want lots of eggs too. I will probably sprinkle in a few other breeds for fun like Easter Eggers and other pretty ones (like the orpington). I'm sure it will be another addiction of mine lol.
 
GeekyHomesteader said:
My dogs are a mix (maybe pit/boxer??) and the other is a blue heeler/Australian shepherd mix. She REALLY loves to chase chickens. We think she might be trying to herd them but we aren't sure because she doesn't attack them or hurt them.

I really haven't decided on what breeds of chickens to get. I'm doing so much research and I feel like every time I pick something, there's a different one that's "better". Since dual purpose doesn't seem to be great, I'd like one for laying and one for eating. I also have no idea if I can actually butcher a chicken. I feel like I could but I've also felt guilty before for killing a fly....so...lol. Any recommendations
Click to expand...

If you want a good meat chicken go for the Cornish Cross, cheap and are ready for butchering in 8-10 weeks. If you have never butchered a chicken I would suggest getting a traffic cone and cut it down to fit the chickens, pull the head through and then chop it off, this prevents bruising of the meat. We skin them right then. Clean them out and cut up as desired. Put the meat in a plastic bag and let it sit in fridge before cooking or freezing. This allows the rigor to dissipate
 
:frow I'm also a new homesteader who got chickens right away from someone else (2 months after moving :))! We were only overwintering them while their owners built a coop, but it was a great introduction for when I got my own chickens last spring :) And of course I've got a new set of chicks this spring as well.

We really like our dual purpose; I'm trying out a bunch of breeds to see what I like. We use for meat and eggs and eventually I'd like to build a sustainable flock. I order straight run for the ethics of it, and because we cull the roos for the freezer.

Have fun on your new adventure!
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom