Thoughts needed on starting a flock from free birds

[oldrooster]

A friend asked me what I thought of his Idea, and I told him I had no Idea, since I have never tried to do it. His idea is to in essence be a craig'slist/freecycle stalker and get supplies for 2-3 coops, 4-6 chicken tractors and set them up and then find "free" or cheap chickens on those sites, and when he brings them home he will keep them separated until he;s sure they are healthy (he's read enough here while at my house he has no Internet) that he needs to keep them separated for about a month before combining flocks. He said he's going to process the roo's immediately and throw them in the crock pot or freezer. and the hens too if the are spent hens. I told him he may be wasting his time to try to build a laying flock that way, and if he was just wanting to get free chicken meat on the table, then he may be on the right track.

Has anyone tried this? and so how where the results? Am I the crazy one or my friend?

 

[TOP KNOT]

A friend asked me what I thought of his Idea, and I told him I had no Idea, since I have never tried to do it. His idea is to in essence be a craig'slist/freecycle stalker and get supplies for 2-3 coops, 4-6 chicken tractors and set them up and then find "free" or cheap chickens on those sites, and when he brings them home he will keep them separated until he;s sure they are healthy (he's read enough here while at my house he has no Internet) that he needs to keep them separated for about a month before combining flocks. He said he's going to process the roo's immediately and throw them in the crock pot or freezer. and the hens too if the are spent hens. I told him he may be wasting his time to try to build a laying flock that way, and if he was just wanting to get free chicken meat on the table, then he may be on the right track.

Has anyone tried this? and so how where the results? Am I the crazy one or my friend?

Sounds like he will bring disease home with used equipment and ''unwanted'' birds. I would not do it. New equipment, hatchery chicks. Thats my advice.

 

[oldrooster]

Quote:
Not used feeders/waters he's talking building and fencing supplies.... it sounds like you are on my side on this one, might be alright to butcher them outright, or keep a few hens out of one batch if they look healthy but a waste of time....

 

[TOP KNOT]

I would like to know what the chickens have been fed and vaccinated/medicated with. I like to know what I am eating. Buy chicks, raise them up. Get a few heavy breeds. Breed the best butcher the roosters. Build your flock from quality and disease free stock. If you start with crap you will end with crap.