Pics of my Freedom Rangers

[2bradleys]

CRPERDUE-

Just an alternative idea for the plastic zip ties, in case you find they don't work very well: our coop is a metal frame also...it was a small greenhouse, but the 2008 windstorm absolved it of it's duties as such, so we converted it into our coop run. We used something similar to a zip tie, but metal, to attach our wire to the frame. I have no idea what the things are called, but they're used in concrete construction and are located with the concrete supplies at Lowe's. Each end has a loop and you get this little hand tool to whirl them together with. I realize this description is extremely vague and probably doesn't make much sense unless you already know what I'm talking about...but if you don't, check out the concrete supply area, you'll see them. They work like a bread tie, only they're metal. My husband says they're called wire ties.

 

[chickendidwhat]

Where do you get your Freedom Rangers? We are just getting started and I am looking for a good meat bird other than Cornish X. I like everything I've seen about the Rangers but can't find any place to get them.

Thanks
Greg

 

[crperdue]

http://www.jmhatchery.com/

I have both the freedom ranger broilers and the white muscovy ducks.
I am very happy with JM Hatchery as they have answered all my questions
and delivered a great product.

 

[sassychickengirl]

Quote:
Please post processed weights when you get them done. I am considering raising these next year as well and am curious if the weights are worth it in comparison to the cornish x's. Keeping them an extra few weeks isn't a big deal if they turn out well

 

[chickendidwhat]

Thanks. I'll check out JM

Greg

 

[pigfarmer]

I raised FR this year with great results.............. My biggest bird was 8# even processed, smallest was 4# 6oz( had leg problems).
the rest were in the 7# range. Awesome birds to raise.

Here are some pix of the remaining breeding stock (I hope).
They have been reassigned to their coop with confinement, to remind them where home is. They keep wanting to stay under
the real chicken coop where my layers are (camper).
This is checkers discussing matters with a barred rock layer...

This is chester fried chicken

This is big red

Here are some of the hens and a roo or two

This is a@$hole, the mean roo of the bunch... he was the 1st to go to freezer camp. He bit me more than once.

 

[JohnL11935]

My rangers are 10 weeks today. This is my first time raising them.

These birds are so big that about one week ago the roosters started crowing.

I would like to butcher now but most of my customers are not ready for delivery.

My concern (especially with the roosters) is that they are getting so big that I may be pushing them over the edge from a nice, tender eating birds to grizzled old roosters suitable only for the crock pot.

Are my concerns unfounded and will I be pleasantly surprised?

Thanks.

 

[goatranch]

Let us know what the meat ends up like. We did meaties for the first time this year. We did 46 jumbo cornish. They are VERY hard to keep up with. I love how white and tender the meat is. I would love to try FR next year if you have good luck with the meat.

 

[pigfarmer]

The grizzled bird issue is an age thing...
I processed last years CX at 12wks old, and this years FR roos at just under 14wks, and may 2 more FR roos soon.
You still have time.
I haven't tried one yet, maybe this weekend.... got a freezer full of chicken.
And turkeys coming.

 

[crperdue]

Processing time!

Do they look worried?