Cornish Cross Spring 2018 Cost/Profit/Loss or Freezer Meat

[baymule]

Does anyone know what live weight is needed to wind up with a 4-5 pound butchered bird? I don't have a scale to weigh a live chicken on, maybe I could get one of those DE-Liars......a fish scale to hang fish on. They are called DE-Liars because once weighed, you can't lie about how big was the fish you caught. LOL LOL

I have some that seem to be getting pretty big, might have to start slaughtering next week. I will post pictures.

 

[baymule]

We gave up on moving the coop. Despite my best efforts, the chickens run to the back and several have been injured. So I am throwing bags of pine needles in there. After we butcher, we’ll drag the coop forward and spread all the litter.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Can you let them out to free range?

 

[baymule]

Chickens are all on lockdown. A family of hawks are nesting right on the fence line, about 100 yards from there. I hear them calling all the time. Maybe after the chicks grow up and fly away, they won't be such a problem. The hawks have landed on fence posts near the coops, studying the occupants.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Oh boy....

 

[baymule]

When we walk down the fence line, they screech at us. LOL

 

[FarmerJamie]

Looks like they are doing great

 

[baymule]

Thank you! First time to raise CX and I find that I like them, they are sweet friendly chickens. I need to weigh a few of the biggest to see where I am on slaughter weight.

 

[CrealCritter]

View attachment 7276 We gave up on moving the coop. Despite my best efforts, the chickens run to the back and several have been injured. So I am throwing bags of pine needles in there. After we butcher, we’ll drag the coop forward and spread all the litter.

Maybe take a piece of plywood in with you like the width of the tractor and maybe a foot tall, I don't think they could get over or around that to get to the back. As the coop is pulled forward move the plywood backwards. IDK worth a try maybe...

 

[Mini Horses]

Does anyone know what live weight is needed to wind up with a 4-5 pound butchered bird?

I don't know. BUT weight before & after butcher & let us know. You could use a bathroom scale, holding bird?

But, I suspect a hanging fish scale be more practical. I'd put it in a cloth bag live. You can tie legs & hang, once flopping stopped. I'm thinking 2# loss would not be unreasonable.

They are looking good & you have more than I'd want to do in one session.