The remainder of the chickens were taken to the processor today, 22 in total. I should have taken some of the larger hens that were crosses, but I want to see how they do this winter. They are all pullets and I have no idea if that Chantecler/Ameraucana cross will be a good winter egg layer or not. I got only one egg today, so if that is tell tale, I guess not. I could put a light on in the coop to extend the day in their minds, which promotes laying, but I am hoping to create a hardy winter layer that does not need artificial light or extra heat, even in this frozen north. The chickens are in hoop shelters which protect them from the wind, but there is no heat in them, other than that which they provide from their own bodies. One small shelter has the Muscovy ducks on the straw and about twenty five chickens on perches, so it is warm even though it does not have a front wall, only wire. I am trying to get the chickens to leave one of the coops and use only the insulated one. More bodies means more heat in there, so I will close the one I dont want them in and put them physically in the one I do want them to use.
Some of the bantam chickens dressed out just under 2 pounds. That is one small chicken. The cost for each chicken to process was just under five dollars including GST. So at, let's say, 2 pounds, that still is not bad. I did buy those chicks at about 5 dollars each and fed them, though not much, over the summer which puts the price of a 2 pound chicken up to $10 and that is high. Some of the others were around 4 -5 pounds. Next year I will order a breed called Malines. They are a fast growing large chicken that lays well, but has a large comb and wattles so is not suited for our winters. If they cross with my Ameraucana/Chanteclers, I may just get a decent growing winter layer. May, I said.
Oh well. I made a pot of chicken soup for tonight and I must say, the broth was amazing. There is no comparison to store bought chicken or even chicken that most farmers raise because these chickens were running around all summer eating grass and bugs. Most farmers keep chickens in runs and feed them grain instead. Egg laying and meat are not the main purposes of the chickens on the farm. They are here to eat bugs and that is what they do. They scratch through the poop of every critter and eat the worms and eggs, and the flies and mosquitos, which is perfect. Who does not like chicken and who loves bugs? Win win, little chickens. Thank you for lives and thank you Creator for the opportunity to raise the birds and give them love and care. Bless you birdies.
Some of the bantam chickens dressed out just under 2 pounds. That is one small chicken. The cost for each chicken to process was just under five dollars including GST. So at, let's say, 2 pounds, that still is not bad. I did buy those chicks at about 5 dollars each and fed them, though not much, over the summer which puts the price of a 2 pound chicken up to $10 and that is high. Some of the others were around 4 -5 pounds. Next year I will order a breed called Malines. They are a fast growing large chicken that lays well, but has a large comb and wattles so is not suited for our winters. If they cross with my Ameraucana/Chanteclers, I may just get a decent growing winter layer. May, I said.
Oh well. I made a pot of chicken soup for tonight and I must say, the broth was amazing. There is no comparison to store bought chicken or even chicken that most farmers raise because these chickens were running around all summer eating grass and bugs. Most farmers keep chickens in runs and feed them grain instead. Egg laying and meat are not the main purposes of the chickens on the farm. They are here to eat bugs and that is what they do. They scratch through the poop of every critter and eat the worms and eggs, and the flies and mosquitos, which is perfect. Who does not like chicken and who loves bugs? Win win, little chickens. Thank you for lives and thank you Creator for the opportunity to raise the birds and give them love and care. Bless you birdies.
Most of the small white birds are in the freezer, now. Thank you little birdies.
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