Processed our 6 Meaties..Pic heavy *Graphic* Update:DINNER!

[mommas_got_peeps]

Beautiful!! I'm so inspired..you have definetly made this look way more easier than I have ever imaged.. I love the Pre-set-up pics. Very clean and very organized. May have to invest in those cornish X's for the fall......

 

[geepy]

We sent 10 of our roos to freezer camp last week. Ours are barnyard mixes so I skin mine. Yours look so good I'm thinking about getting some cornish x's now. Oh and there is nothing like an adult beverage to seal the deal.

 

[yook2000]

wow, what is the net weight

 

[homestead tim]

Great post! Thank You!

 

[mcf3kids]

Now that makes me hungry!! Nice work on all the pics! Your thread has inspired hubby and I to bite the bullet and raise some Cornish Rocks - just ordered 25 of them that may ship tomorrow

We have a brooder set up already but will be building a tractor for them to live in for their short lives. Did you post a picture of where you have housed them? Can you post a picture of that if you have one? Thanks - really appreciate it and all the inspiration you have given us!!

 

[Jschaaff]

Quote:

<----- hehehe I promise

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Thank you very much!! Simple seasonings for this one: Seasoned salt, and fresh sage & oregano. I think I'm going to brine the next one first! Yum!!


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The final weight of each bird was 6.6 lbs, 6.5 lbs 6.4 lbs, 6.2 lbs, 5.8 lbs and 5.4 lbs. Average weight: 6.15 lbs (My average would've been lower had we not lost some of our chickens the night before we culled)

I'm going do a final expense in the next post.

Jessa

 

[Jschaaff]

I thought I would figure out the final expense, so here goes:

(The final cost does not include freezer paper or freezer bags, as I am running out to get that stuff this morning, and unsure of the cost so far.)


Everything was purchased from Blue Seal:
16.00/50lb bag feed x 2 = 32.00
Additional 20 lbs feed= 6.40
1/2 bale of straw= 3.50
1 bale hay= 5.00
1.6 per chick x 10= 16.00

Total cost= $62.90 for 10 chickens

So, if I include the one we lost at 6 weeks, (i'm horrible with math, and it's easier that way!), that puts us at $6.29 per bird over a 7 week period.


Here's why the math isn't very accurate:
We lost one bird to unknown causes at 6 weeks, and 3 birds to a predator the day before we culled.
Keep in mind that the predator killed hens that probably would've dressed out a little more than 5 lb, and our littlest, who would've only dressed at maybe 2.5 (she was a runt). Had we been able to figure in their final weights, our total net average weight, would've been a bit lower.

That said, our known average is:

Total cost for 10 chickens=62.90
6.15lbs/per bird. at $6.29 per bird,
Final cost: $1.02/lb.


IF we figure the total cost, $62.90 and divide it amongst our remaining six, which is how we are doing it for our own records, since we only actually benefited six chickens....

total cost for 6 chickens =62.90
6.15lbs/per bird at 10.48 per bird
Final cost= $1.70/lb.

I am still happy with that number! Will be incredibly interesting to see my final costs and weights on the next batch. A lot of variables, from different hatchery, to number of chicks, hotter weather etc...

Thanks again to everyone, it's been exciting to read all the positive responses!!

-Jessa

 

[mcf3kids]

Jessa I just noticed that you are from NH as well - which hatchery did you purchase your latest bunch from? I ordered from Schlecht but am curious if there is a hatchery that you know of closer to us to save on shipping costs. My birds with shipping will be $1.62 each. I am in Southern NH.

 

[Jschaaff]

Quote:
Hi neighbor!

I'm located in the Lakes Region, near Alton.

I did not actually order from a hatchery, but bought both batches of birds from different Blue Seals (they order them, and I just go in a pick them up), one in Rochester, and the latest, in Chichester. They receive birds from different locations, but I am not sure the actual hatcheries. The Rochester Blue Seal is 1.60/bird, at Chichester, I just paid 1.65/bird, so your price of 1.62 is pretty good! I would LOVE to find them cheaper though myself!! My dad thinks I'm nuts to pay 1.60... he used to pay .50 a bird...course that was 20 years ago!

-Jessa

 

[bullyforme]

I would LOVE to find them cheaper though myself!! My dad thinks I'm nuts to pay 1.60... he used to pay .50 a bird...course that was 20 years ago!

-Jessa

you could raise them yourself!

But anyway, what a delightful thread. Your attitude ROCKS, and what a wonderful way to bond as a family, harvesting your own hard-earned food. BTW your table was beautifully presented! I wanted to eat my monitor!