Venting-Soooo Confused And Frustrated

[junebuggena]

They'll all be going in the freezer, it's just the thought of killing a heritage breed that may be starting to become close to being endangered that just goes against the grain. Know what I mean?

Orpingtons are not endangered in the least bit.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would definitely talk to the neighbors first. It is hard to rehome roosters here.

 

[txplowgirl]

Then I guess hatching is out of the question for you right now. Since your mom refuses to assist with with space, she really shouldn't have any say in the breeds you choose. Your flock, your property, you choose the breeds. If she wants Dominiques, she can get her own.

Yes, but I love my mom and want to make her happy. So, i'm going to get her 1.

 

[txplowgirl]

Orpingtons are not endangered in the least bit.

Ok, great, I've read so much info on different heritage breeds that info is starting to run together and clog my head. That makes me feel a lot better. Thank you!

 

[txplowgirl]

I would definitely talk to the neighbors first. It is hard to rehome roosters here.

Won't be rehomed. Will be going into the stewpot. I have several neighbors who has asked for chickens AFTER they have been processed. Plus I have a large freezer that is never full. Looking forward to filling it up.

 

[junebuggena]

Won't be rehomed. Will be going into the stewpot. I have several neighbors who has asked for chickens AFTER they have been processed.

Just be sure that you follow the rules for selling and distributing meat for your state. And make sure that the people getting the meat understand that it won't be anything like what they are used to buying from the grocery store. Dual purpose birds take longer to reach table size, and the carcasses look much different with smaller breasts and more leg and thigh meat.

 

[Mylied]

Well, I don't count birds I'm growing out as part of my flock, so you could have 6 for breeders and then grow out their babies. Just process them by 3 months and hopefully no one will start crowing before the d day. And by giving the neighbors some freezer ready chicken, maybe no one would complain. ;-)

 

[Mylied]

Just be sure that you follow the rules for selling and distributing meat for your state. And make sure that the people getting the meat understand that it won't be anything like what they are used to buying from the grocery store. Dual purpose birds take longer to reach table size, and the carcasses look much different with smaller breasts and more leg and thigh meat.

That's for sure. Plus the meat is a bit tougher, better slow cooked from my experience. And has more flavor, which is good or bad, depending on who is eating it.

 

[txplowgirl]

I recommend that you start small, work within your city rules, and save up money for larger property.

You can teach yourself a lot with a small flock. If you can have a rooster, 1 rooster with 5 hens makes a breeding pen. You could sell fertile eggs if you have a nice line of Buff Orpingtons, or Dominiques.

Volunteer at the local 4H to increase your skills.

Read everything you can on flock management, breeding, genetics, care.

And save money for a larger property.

Your dreams are way bigger than your property size, but you've got a lot of learning that can be done on small scale....my daughter did all she could on our 1/3 acre....now she is married and living the farm life on 90 acres.

Get those skills where you are, then grow.

My suggestion.
LofMc

Thanks, I appreciate the info. I had chickens when I was growing up, haven't had any for 30 years and i'm just getting excited again and probably getting ahead of myself. I was just thinking the BO's were close to being endangered but found out they're not. That's what I get for reading so much and being tired. Everything was running together.

Yes, I am trying to save for some property out in the country, just slow going.

Thanks again.

 

[aart]

work within your city rules,

Yes, First thing to do......find out exactly what the rules are, get it in writing.

Sometimes the number of birds depends on age,
which might benefit you in hatching chicks.
Find out about housing(coops/runs) rules... size, location, etc.
Some places are way tight on that, some are less so.
Do you own your property or rent?
That could make a big difference too.
Keep some Romance, but confirm the Realities.

ETA: Be careful about slaughtering, some cities don't allow it.
Even giving meat away can be dicey, let alone selling it.