Please help- I need mature meat birds in October! (S. Oregon)

[ChickenJerk]

I don't have ten weeks...I need them in the beginning of October. If the people in charge had given me time I would have raised them myself, but its too late to order now.

I don't have ten weeks...I need them in the beginning of October. If the people in charge had given me time I would have raised them myself, but its too late to order now.

"Get some broiler chickens of an age so that they are about ten weeks when they need to be slaughtered. They will be huge unless someone screws up raising them."

Gee- if you got six week old birds now they would be ten weeks or so the first of October. Go to a farmer's market where chickens are sold and deal with those people for some live ones. Or arrange to have them get the birds to size for you.

 

[Tam'ra of Rainbow Vortex]

There are NO farmers markets here that sell livestock of any kind. As far as I know, there is nowhere to buy chickens anywhere within 200 miles.
Any time I post surplus chickens on craigslist they are snatched up fast. Lots of people want them, but most people only have a small handful that were purchased as chicks from the feed stores and they are mostly dual purpose hens (and the season for them is long over so they would be old and tough by now even if someone would sell them for meat)

You see my dilemma? I WOULD get 6 week old meaties, but I have NOWHERE to get them from. That's why I am here.... hoping someone has some...

 

[wsmoak]

Try this and see if anyone within driving distance offers chicken: http://www.eatwild.com/products/oregon.html (Then see if they'll custom process for you or just sell them live so you can do it.)

Otherwise... don't let poor planning on their part constitute an emergency on your part. Feed the people supermarket chicken and maybe it will teach them to plan ahead for next year!

-Wendy

 

[donrae]

There are NO farmers markets here that sell livestock of any kind. As far as I know, there is nowhere to buy chickens anywhere within 200 miles.
Any time I post surplus chickens on craigslist they are snatched up fast. Lots of people want them, but most people only have a small handful that were purchased as chicks from the feed stores and they are mostly dual purpose hens (and the season for them is long over so they would be old and tough by now even if someone would sell them for meat)

You see my dilemma? I WOULD get 6 week old meaties, but I have NOWHERE to get them from. That's why I am here.... hoping someone has some...

That's why I was kinda laughing inside when someone posted about checking out ethnic markets. This is southern Oregon, we're about as Un-ethnic as you can get! And no one selling grown birds, esp this time of year with the heat. I agree about the poor planning and emergency (love that phrase!). You can do what you can do. Maybe they need to serve goat instead? I have a boer weather I'd let go cheapish................

 

[DianeS]

Supposedly these guys get random animals like chickens and rabbits sometimes: http://www.eugenelivestock.com/index.html Maybe you could call and ask if any are scheduled for the next sale (you may have to call each week). I know they're in Junction City, but I'm next to Eugene so we might be able to work something out for bidding and transportation, IF you find out if they're getting any.

 

[angelbabyamy]

Okay, I don't know why when I read this thread my post never shows, so here goes again...I have three 14 week old Cornish X hens I never butchered. I don't know if they would be too tough by October. How many do you need?
I had to laugh at the ethnic market comment too, lol! It would be nice to be able to buy chickens year round!

 

[Tam'ra of Rainbow Vortex]

I was actually just told we only need one... but he has to be a BIG one. I was under the impression we needed at least six, but ONE is much more doable. I have a cockeral in my yard who might be table ready by then....

As for the cornish cross hens, I have relayed the information to the lady with the authority to purchase (since ultimately its her reputation on the line since she is head cook) and we will see what she decides.

Thank you all for your responses... I will update when I can to see what chicken we will be using.

 

[donrae]

Maybe you'd have better luck with a turkey, if they're wanting such a large bird?

And just sayin', cornish cross are modern. Table birds back in that age weren't anything like modern market birds, if they're concerned about authenticity.

 

[Tam'ra of Rainbow Vortex]

Yeah, I was sorta thinking that too... but they want a chicken.
I am not sure how much they are willing to compromise modern expectations of a chicken for authenticity. I am not the one in charge! I would be inclined to make a couple- one super authentic with a really lean and flavorful bird, and one catered to modern tastes with a plump old cornish cross. But that's me.