Started a new MONSTER coop this weekend

[epona4]

I don't know that it's "normal," but it's fun. Does that count?

Most certainly does!!!

But, as to why we have so many - we don't raise the fast-growing broilers for meat, we eat plain old yardbirds like Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, etc. Because it takes about 6 months to get them to a good eating size, we have a bunch growing at any given time. We eat one or more a week, most weeks.

Hmmm...so do you butcher them the same day/day before you eat them rather than freezing then?

b​

 

[Fredster]

Quote:
Right now I do, yes. Usually I butcher them two days before we plan to eat them. I'm thinking that next spring I'm going to order a batch just for meat, though, and process them all at once, because (and this is where I sound like a namby-pamby PETA supporter) it makes me feel bad to kill them, and I don't much like having to do it every week.

 

[epona4]

(and this is where I sound like a namby-pamby PETA supporter) it makes me feel bad to kill them, and I don't much like having to do it every week.

My personal feeling, it should not make you feel like a "namby pamby PETA supporter". You respect that your food is a living thing and you have an attachment to it. Doesn't make you a nut job. (IMHO)

I suspect I'll have similar issues. I'd really like to raise my own meat but I know when the time comes to butcher I'll be sad and upset...and grateful.

What I would LOVE to do is find some folks in my area that butcher their own and see if I can go learn from them! Nothing quite like hands on learning!! I'd hate to have my first few birds ruined because I cut the intestines or ripped the gall bladder!

b
so much to learn!​

 

[yellowdragon]

I sell the eggs. The bantams I am starting to breed.

 

[bheila]

Quote:
Right now I do, yes. Usually I butcher them two days before we plan to eat them. I'm thinking that next spring I'm going to order a batch just for meat, though, and process them all at once, because (and this is where I sound like a namby-pamby PETA supporter) it makes me feel bad to kill them, and I don't much like having to do it every week.

You can't look at it as killing them. You are supporting your family in a much healthier way. We raised our own meat birds for the first time this year and I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I was proud to have raised my own birds humanely. Some people like my mom just don't understand why we just don't go to the supermarket. I love the size of your new coop keep up the good work. We will be starting our own this weekend. Wish me luck.

 

[epona4]

We raised our own meat birds for the first time this year and I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I was proud to have raised my own birds humanely. Some people like my mom just don't understand why we just don't go to the supermarket.

I've been getting excited about this prospect. I can understand how you would feel proud about it.

I have some friends who are similar to your mom. Don't understand why I'd want to bother when I can go to the store.

And now I must wait till some undetermined time (or this spring) to get my hands on some chickens! I've never been good at waiting when I'm excited about something!

b​

 

[MichiganWoods]

That's outstanding! Can't wait to see the progress on this coop.

 

[Fredster]

I got the rafters put up on one side Wednesday, then it rained yesterday. Hopefully I'll get the other rafters up today, and the roof on tomorrow. I'll put up a new picture when the roof's on.

 

[mksenoj]

Outstanding job. I'm sure it will need it's own zip code when done! I just finished my first coop and after seeing yours of course, I'll need to another.

And so my chicken population will grow. Again, Outstanding.

 

[Fredster]

Here are some pics from this afternoon. I never get as much accomplished in a day as I hope. I wanted to finish the roof this weekend, but I still need to install the tin on one side. On the other hand, I'm kind of pleased with how much I've gotten done in just over a week.

Pics below are: new coop (which I have named "Coopzilla"), current coop, and because every thread needs them, some pictures of our chickens.