- Oct 24, 2008
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well, my first batch of meat chickens is in the freezer, cut up and eviscerated. i've learned a lot from this experience, and i thought that i'd share what i've learned. if i am incorrect about something, please correct it, i want this to be as accurate as possible.
As chicks: with a large batch, two heat lamps are necessary. Don't underestimate the amount they can eat, even as chicks. Make sure you have plenty of bedding, straw and pine shavings work best, because they poop a TON. Give them outside pasture asap, it helps with the poop problem and they're happier outside.
Nearing butchering time: weigh weekly, this helps you to know when to bring them in (ours were roughly six lbs and were quite large when butchered). Find a good butcher 1/2-2 weeks beforehand.
After butcher: get a good website (such as byc) to help you know where to cut up your chicken (if you're doing it that way)
Feeding: i fed ours a 50/50 mixture of corn fines and grower feed. The corn fines were free, so it cut feed costs.
I'm planning on eating some of our chicken tonight, so i hope that its good!
As chicks: with a large batch, two heat lamps are necessary. Don't underestimate the amount they can eat, even as chicks. Make sure you have plenty of bedding, straw and pine shavings work best, because they poop a TON. Give them outside pasture asap, it helps with the poop problem and they're happier outside.
Nearing butchering time: weigh weekly, this helps you to know when to bring them in (ours were roughly six lbs and were quite large when butchered). Find a good butcher 1/2-2 weeks beforehand.
After butcher: get a good website (such as byc) to help you know where to cut up your chicken (if you're doing it that way)
Feeding: i fed ours a 50/50 mixture of corn fines and grower feed. The corn fines were free, so it cut feed costs.
I'm planning on eating some of our chicken tonight, so i hope that its good!
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