[kingnigel]

hi all
time to start asking the questions
i have a grass area about 25mX9m that is fenced off to about 6ft high, it also has a brick building in it 3mX3m. i am wanting to get some chucks firstly for meat and then maybe later more chucks for eggs.
i dont want to over do things and get too many too fast so i am looking for recommendations on what breed and how many to start with also is it better to buy chicks or eggs and an incubator.
how old would the birds be before they meet their maker, what sort of weight approx, what to feed them (i do want them to be free range).

so many more questions like do i need a smallholder permit or something along those lines, when the day comes am i allowed to do the deed (i think i am but was told recently that i am not allowed) ok i will leave it for now but i will be back.
kn

[Rosemary]

We buy day old Hubbards, raise them on chick crumbs to six weeks and grower pellets to slaughter at 11 or 12 weeks. Works well for us and doesn't take up much room. This time round, I'm going to cut the grower pellets with mixed corn to slow down the growth rate a bit, so they stay on their legs better. The meat is excellent. Plucking is a total pain.

[kingnigel]

hi
thanks for that, plucking sounds like a job for my wife  .
this sounds like the growth pellets are something i would prefere to avoid if it causes the chucks to struggle on their legs,
what would their growth rate be like without the pellets ?
i am led to believe that chickens have to grow at a natural rate to produce the correct amount of omega 3, is this wrong ?
kn

[doganjo]

We buy day old Hubbards, raise them on chick crumbs to six weeks and grower pellets to slaughter at 11 or 12 weeks. Works well for us and doesn't take up much room. This time round, I'm going to cut the grower pellets with mixed corn to slow down the growth rate a bit, so they stay on their legs better. The meat is excellent. Plucking is a total pain.

Rosemary, why not try peeling them like pheasants?  I have a video somewhere that shows it done on the spot at a shoot with only a hunting knife and a pair of big boots.  But I've done it here at home. Easier to peel phezzies than pluck.

[Rosemary]

Do you mean substitute mixed corn for pellets? The protein levels will be lower so growth will be slower but by how much I've no idea. Plain corn probably won't have the right vitamins and minerals, which is why I'm going to mix the two.

It's not as bad as it sounds - they're perfectly mobile and able to get around fine.

[kingnigel]

hi rosemary
sorry for that, i just got this image of chickens glued to the spot
wouldnt mixing maze, wheat and greens be just as effective?
also what is actually in growth pellets?

sorry for all the questions
kn

[Castle Farm]

Before you start feeding any type of pellets just read the lable carefully as you will be cooking and eating the meat and more than likely feeding it to your family.
Why on earth poultry has to be fed commercial feed is beyond me,whats wrong with the tradional food for chickens Corn of various types and fresh grass and free-range or as near as possible to it.
Frankenstine poultry in the way of Ross-Cobbs and other factory type birds are totally tasteless and watching them drag themselves around the place sickens me.Ethics on a plate is traditional birds reared in a traditional way.Why all the rush these days?

[kingnigel]

hi castle farm
i would always prefer natural feeding as i said i dont know what would be wrong with grains and greens, what type of bird would you recommend for this, and roughly how old are the birds before they are table ready
kn

[Castle Farm]

Hi KN.
I take my birds after I have them at full maturity, as I breed for taste and to get that texture and flavore a bird or animal should have at least reach an age where it's grown.
I have a breeding trial ongoing on a utility breed, so I need to assess the adults before I start next season programme.
I have some notes about table birds on my blog.

www.castlefarmeggs.co.uk

[kingnigel]

hi castle farm
i have previously read your blog and website, i have also gone over it again today, thanks.
i am interested in birds for the table but fed naturally of course.
but if i get a variety that i am happy with i would want to breed on so a fair egg layer would also be a bonus,
so how well do you rate your Welsh Black Fowl in both of these areas
thanks again kn

if you would prefer to email me please do.

[Castle Farm]

Welsh Blacks will lay you about 6 eggs a week each.In the second year they will do the same but larger eggs.
There is only one thing I haven't bred out yet is the habit of going broody,but they are calm and solid sitters and I usually let them get on with it.

[kingnigel]

hi castle farm
thanks for the reply
i have emailed you

[kingnigel]

hi castle farm
i have e-mailed you again today, thanks again
kn

[CarraghsBorderCollies]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bresse_(chicken)/    

nuf said!

[Rosemary]

This link doesn't go anywhere