Hi all! New to this thread. We have been raising chickens for a yr and a half and are in the process of building coop/run #6. We have only raised for eggs, & breeding purposes, but have decided to begin raising some for meat.
We have only ever processed 1 turkey, & that was just because he kept attacking my bf, and he smacked him with a stick to stop him, & it killed the turkey, so we didn't want to waste the meat.
Right now my grow out pen is full, growing out 40 to sell EE laying pullets in the spring. And we will start with those cockerels. Then in the spring I plan to purchase chicks or hath ing eggs to start our meat bird/ eating egg pen. I've done much research and have chosen not to purchase "broiler chickens" because I do not want to have to purchase them each yr. I'm planning to use ( forgive the spelling) black Austrolops, NHR, and/or white rocks. And I will leave some to breed, hatch, & grow out for the following year. I sell LOTS of chicks and hatching eggs to pay for feed, so for the most part, after the initial purchase, it should work out well financially. We would really just want to begin the process if being more self sufficient.
I do however need to find a better way to feed. They waste SOOOO much lately! Considering the 5 gallon bucket with PVC pipes so they have to stick their head INSIDE the pipe to eat. Any suggestions that seem better?? Much appreciated!!!
