Space needed for meat chickens

[aliciaFarmer]

We use a turkey fryer as well for scalding. Ours, thankfully, doesn't have a safety cut-off feature.

That's a great idea! I just found an 8 gallon pot that I was planning on using but I'm still looking for a propane burner that's affordable. If we had power, I would totally use a turkey fryer! I mean power where we will be processing.

 

[feathermaid]

Thank you so very much for both of those links! The first video was beautiful. I love that lady. I had actually never seen that one before and I'm so glad you shared it. I don't like the idea of a cone and wondered about other ways that I could bmorehumane about the process. Her method is beautiful. I also never gave much thought to all of the little cockerels getting incinerated and that just breaks my heart. So I again appreciate this very much! My plan was to get a bunch of straight run chickens for my first round but having a couple broodys right now, I see that I'm going to be starting with my own. I already have three roosters in my flock and have to start with one of them (the youngest will be 12 weeks tomorrow but a Swedish flower hen so I want to keep him).

I had such strong preconceived notions about Cornish/CX that I almost didn't even read/watch that but I did and I'm so glad for that! Again, I thank you so very much. Both for the Enlightenment and for taking the time to respond. And I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. I'm not online very often.

So, now that I'm soon to have a bunch more babies Oh, things are going to be different then my original plan but I think that's how Mother Nature works. I also have a couple of semi mean girls that I was thinking of gifting to another Farm but I think I'll use them as practice with an overabundance of love and respect for them and their lives. ♡

You're so welcome!
Yes, it's good to have an open mind and see things from as many different viewpoints possible. I'm so glad you found the links useful. Things don't always go according to plan and it looks like all is going to work out great for you. Good luck with your new babies on the way, how exciting! And I hope your first harvest goes well. I admire your kind and appreciative outlook. Best wishes!

 

[aliciaFarmer]

Thank you so much. ♡

That batch of babies was a flop. Mama hen sat like a champ for 2.5 weeks then moved off the eggs on a 20° night to sit on fakes, killing all the babies. She's a bit mentally challenged and I think will be my practice butchery lesson.