Why meat birds?

[Newyorkrita]

I have read posts here on BYC where for ethical reasons some do not buy the cornish cross and raise them themselves because of the health reasons of the bird and they raise either a ranger of some sort or a "regular breed" roosters I thought it rather odd some people who buy from breeders because hatcheries put to death males what they cannot sell but they want hens only and want a "meat bird" of some sort. Makes me wonder what they think happens to breeder's males? lol

What really surprises me is that the hatcheries list males in the egg laying breeds as only about a dollar or two cheaper than the sexed pullet pricing. Honestly they must dispose of these extra males by the thousands so one would think they would sell them dirt cheap. But apparently don't really want to sell them.

 

[Mosey2003]

What really surprises me is that the hatcheries list males in the egg laying breeds as only about a dollar or two cheaper than the sexed pullet pricing. Honestly they must dispose of these extra males by the thousands so one would think they would sell them dirt cheap. But apparently don't really want to sell them.

Ah, see but you're not considering the disposal properly. They aren't chucking them in the trash, they're *selling* them, as poultry by-product. It's not a no-win situation for the hatcheries, they're still getting paid.

 

[igorsMistress]

I have read posts here on BYC where for ethical reasons some do not buy the cornish cross and raise them themselves because of the health reasons of the bird and they raise either a ranger of some sort or a "regular breed" roosters I thought it rather odd some people who buy from breeders because hatcheries put to death males what they cannot sell but they want hens only and want a "meat bird" of some sort. Makes me wonder what they think happens to breeder's males? lol

I know, why not just buy straight run and put meat on your table that way? If the roos are going to go someone should make use of them.

What really surprises me is that the hatcheries list males in the egg laying breeds as only about a dollar or two cheaper than the sexed pullet pricing. Honestly they must dispose of these extra males by the thousands so one would think they would sell them dirt cheap. But apparently don't really want to sell them.

Likely because hatcheries know people will buy them to grow out even at that price if they're for food. Look at eggs...regular white ones are practically given away but free range, organic brown eggs with tge pic of the happy chicken on the front can be $5 a dozen. Market dictates price and backyard chickens are becoming very popular.

 

[Mosey2003]

Look at eggs...regular white ones are practically given away but free range, organic brown eggs with tge pic of the happy chicken on the front can be $5 a dozen. Market dictates price and backyard chickens are becoming very popular.

It's cheaper for me to keep only the hens I want to breed and buy white eggs rather than a full laying flock. And honestly, that's just what I'm about to do if I ever make the time to butcher. I like the convenience of table eggs being right out the back door, but being as I don't even like eating eggs myself, I don't mind store bought in the slightest.

 

[Newyorkrita]

Personally I sure would not want to buy straight run and then have deal with all those extra roosters. Not everyone is out in the country and is even allowed to have the roosters.

As to the Hatcheries selling the extra male day old chicks as by products I always thought the chicken in dog and cat foods came from the battery hens once they are culled for a replacement flock. Not that I know that but it is just what I have always thought was the case.

 

[Mosey2003]

As to the Hatcheries selling the extra male day old chicks as by products I always thought the chicken in dog and cat foods came from the battery hens once they are culled for a replacement flock. Not that I know that but it is just what I have always thought was the case.

I may be mistaken, but I think the spent hens go for soup.

 

[Newyorkrita]

I may be mistaken, but I think the spent hens go for soup.

Then were does the dog and cat food come from?

 

[Mosey2003]

Then were does the dog and cat food come from?

Male chicks?

 

[Cryss]

Then were does the dog and cat food come from?

Baby rooster chicks from battery farms that get tossed into a grinder as they are separated from the baby pullets.

 

[Newyorkrita]

Male chicks?

But they not very big. I mean how much actual meat can they make for cat or dog food!!