Took the chickens in for processing

[paisleycj]

We were going to butcher the chickens ourselves, but thank goodness, DH changed his mind. We found a place about 30min from us, that only charged $1.50 a bird!

At first we weren't sure how we were going to haul them. Then I decided since I was going to build a chicken tractor anyway, I'd start with a chicken trailer. We bought a 4X6 landscape trailer, and built a pen on top of that. I'm pretty proud of it. Hubby put on the screening, but I built the rest of it. I have to thank my brother for teaching me woodworking through the years!

When we got the chickens back, they were beautiful. Some of them weighed 8lbs. dressed out!!

 

[lewisfarmgurl]

OH how I envy you, fresh chicken....YUM!

Just a quick question, What breed are those and how old were they?

They look like Leghorns to me but not sure.

 

[Redfeathers]

We are taking ours in on Saturday, so any details about how it all went would be great. How old were they? Did you think you would have some that weighed that much or did it surprise you? Some of my roosters feel like they weigh a good ten pounds so I'm wondering what they will weigh once processed. Did you pack them in coolers for the ride home? Details!! lol

 

[paisleycj]

They were 8 weeks old, Cornish Rocks from MMH. I knew they were getting big, but didn't know exactly how big! When we picked them up, they were in a tank of very cold water. We put 5 to a large plastic garbage bag (heavy duty style) and put the bag into a Rubbermaid container. I put a bag of ice over them for the trip. I used 3 of the big containers. We got home about 30min later, and there was still ice on them, and they were cold. We bagged them up and put them in the freezer. 23 of them just about topped out my new freezer!

They are yummy too! I saved one out for roasting. It was one of the 6lb.ones. My DH ate off it for a couple days, then today I made a big batch of sald. That'll last us for a couple more days. He's already freezing the carcasses to make chicken stock.

 

[tricia]

Where did you bring them? Did they wrap them for you? Great job on the trailer!

 

[Blooming chicks]

That is so great, how creative of you to make that trailer. I wish I had the stomach to raise my own birds for meat. I'm working on it though. Enjoy your chicken.

 

[paisleycj]

I took them to a place near Millville Mn. It's called Hoffman Feather Farm. He didn't wrap them for me, or cut them up at all. They were clean though, and for $1.50 ea. I'm happy. I can dig out the number for you if you want.

 

[tricia]

I think Dennison is a little closer for me but I am going to call and get their prices again. If Millville is cheaper I'll bug you for the number.

Thanks! How much feed did you go through for that many birds?

 

[justusnak]

LOVE the chicken trailor!! We took ours in last week. Found an Amish farm that processed them for 1.50 each. While you waite! LOL
I was really impressed on the weight of these birds. All of them dressed between 8 and 10 pounds! I roasted one for Sunday dinner, had mom and her DH over, and me and my DH. The 4 of us barely put a dent in it. DH and I finished it today. WOW, just like a big old turkey! Yours looked great too! Congrats on topping off the freezer! Isn't it a great feeling?

 

[paisleycj]

We went through 11 50lb bags of feed. Wow, 550lbs. Seems like one heck of a lot once I add it up. I don't think their feed conversion was that good the last couple weeks. They definately ate!