Agreed, but economics (and time) is always part of the equation at some point. That's different for different people, of course.
Allan OK Don via Mercedes <mercedes@okiebenz.com> writes: > It would be like a lot of things us DIY'ers do - a labor of love, bragging > rights for growing your own meat under conditions that you control, etc. In > this case, the economics don't enter the equation. I think the same applies > to our gardens - we spend more money, but get higher quality, and we know > where it came from, plus my wife loves to grow things that she can eat! > > On Fri, Jun 26, 2020 at 3:40 PM Allan Streib via Mercedes < > mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote: > >> Thanks. "Too much work and expense for small timers" is pretty much what >> I figured but I was curious. >> >> Allan >> >> >> Clay via Mercedes <mercedes@okiebenz.com> writes: >> >> > I considered it, for a few moments. Far too much work and expense for >> small timers. Most chickens do not have enough meat to be worthwhile. It >> takes around 15-18 weeks for them to grow large enough for adequate meat. >> Got to process them before puberty to reduce hormones flavoring the flesh. >> > >> > First two months require constant heat and care with feeding, water, >> clean up of poo. Also ever expanding space requirements. You can then >> move them outside once it gets above 60’s at night. Still need fresh water >> daily with lots of food, safe space to hang out, and heated areas for when >> it gets cool. Lots of labor. One pound of feed daily for around 50 >> peeps. Older birds can run up to a kilo each day if you keep them locked >> up. >> > >> > Organic feed is expensive. Baby feed is required for the first two >> months, then basic feed (not layer) can be given. Table scraps and greens >> will make them happy. The cost per bird at harvest is around $14 for two >> pounds of meat. Cost is much reduced at very large scale. >> > >> > A 10x12 shed is good for 50-100 birds from peeps to pot. Peeps will be >> on the floor. As they mature, they can migrate onto roost. Nothing >> taller/higher than 5” for the first three weeks, then maybe to 8” off the >> floor the next month. Peeps falling from height is instant death. 12 week >> old can hop and climb to heights that are fatal as well. Especially for >> the fat birds for meat. >> > >> > Eating layers once they stop is much more economical. You got two to >> three years of eggs (3-5 gross), then some slightly stringy meat for pot >> pies. What they eat has an impact on meat flavor. Protein rich food is >> best. They love cheese, peanut butter, hot dogs, lawns with bugs and baby >> plants. All manner of grain is also a great supplement to bagged feed. >> > >> > clay >> > >> > I have no pronouns please do not refer to me. >> > >> > >> > >> >> On Jun 26, 2020, at 11:15 AM, Allan Streib via Mercedes < >> mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote: >> >> >> >> Anyone here have experience raising chickens for meat? >> >> >> >> Wondering how much work it is on a daily basis. What is the total cost >> >> per bird from acquisition to dinner plate? >> >> >> >> Allan >> >> _______________________________________ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> >> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> >> > > -- > OK Don > > "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to > pause and reflect." Mark Twain > > “Basic research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I am doing.” Wernher > Von Braun > 2013 F150, 18 mpg > 2017 Subaru Legacy, 30 mpg > 1957 C182A, 12 mpg - but at 150 mph! _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
