Southern Maine Bourbon Reds?

[LOVE2FARM]

Started raising Bourbon Reds and Chanticleers, anyone in southern Maine here? Looking for others to share information and/or birds.

 

[BJS]

I'm in Strafford, NH, not far from the border. This year I raised Broad-breasted Bronzes (and many chickens), but planning on Bourbon Reds next year. Will you be selling poults in the spring?

 

[LOVE2FARM]

You are not far at all, I am on the NH line.

If hatching goes well, I may sell. Right now I am just starting and am only keeping my tom and hen. This year was a trial for me, my goal was for the tom and hen to raise them naturally, all went well, but it was a late start. I purchased my tom in March and was not prepared and lost the first hatch to fox. The second hatch wasn't until late June. I didn't have any luck with the incubator, but may next year.

How did you like the BB Bronze? Are they like the BB white? I like this breed ALOT better than the BB white, atleast for raising. I am not sure of the meat yet, I haven't slaughtered any. Will let you know later if the babies don't sell.

Karen

 

[BJS]

The Broad Breasted Bronzes were nice to raise. They are docile, friendly, and get along well with the chickens. The smallest is about 30 lbs now at 5-6 months old. I bought them at 2-3 days old for about $5.50 each from a feed store. Straight run resulted in 3 hens and a Tom. We've got them to roost with the chickens in a secure coop at night to keep them safe from predators. We have everything here: bear, coyote, fox, bobcat, fishers and weasels... as we are surrounded by forest.