As I understand it, a straight-run order is a 'you get what you get' proposition, so you won't know how many of each gender we would receive. The straight-run of 50 chicks at the hatchery I selected was about $91 + shipping (approx $10). But if I selected 25 males and 25 females it only cost $77 + shipping. Since I was hoping for such an even distribution anyway, I went with the cheaper option.
Why the Barred Rock? We decided dual
purpose chicken was best for our operation. Great eggs and good meat. Ours will look something like the one posted here. Delicious!We'll use the 25 males for broilers, for cookin'. The hens we'll raise for egg production. After about 3 years of egg production, we'll cull the hens for meat. As a friend told me, broilers are for chicken breasts and the older chickens are for chicken and noodles. I'll buy that.
We're going to use this old water trough for a brooder. We'll hang a brooder light, bedding for the floor, waterers, and feeders. This will be the chicks first real home.
The chickens will start in this area of the barn for warmth this winter. We'll be working on creating extra access to the outdoors but they'll have plenty of room to roam and be chickens. First priority is their health, however, so warmth this winter is key. Oh, and sunlight! They won't lay good eggs without it.
Found this little gem hanging on the wall of a shed being used for storage of various items: (antique wrench, rusted blades, and no-longer-usable oil containers). It's an old laying box with 6 beds allowing room for up to 24-25 chickens to lay eggs! With a little adjustment it should work great. My current concern is if the boxes will be big enough for the size of the chickens we've purchased.
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Joe, what an amazing adventure you have set forth. I know you have prepared a business plan and all. Goat meat, very delish. There was an article in the paper last week. My dad eats goat, so I'm looking forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I've never been first at anything.
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