My last batch of chicks for 2014 has hatched- 11 more balls of fluff. One more black (barred rock cross), and two more reds. The chanteclers are great producers.
They look dead, but they're just napping, lol.
I think I have too many chickens for the winter coop. The four main pens should hold 8 hens plus a rooster each. The fifth pen is smaller. I think I'll use it for the geese.
So, space for 36. I have 15 chicks from the last batch, 11 from this batch,- all too little to do anything with, and too many roosters! Ten original chickens (8 hens, 2 roos). And 9 chicks from the first batch that aren't quite big enough to butcher. 45.
9 heads need to roll.
The older roos, the red hens, and the barred rocks will be first in the freezer. I need to get a new rooster next year anyway, for fresh blood lines. The smaller birds can double up a bit for now, and then I'll need to butcher the younger roosters through the winter as they get big enough.
"9 heads need to roll" LOL
ReplyDeleteWhen I went to TSC and was looking at the bin of chicks under lights, I was shocked by a one day old chick that was stretched out, head stretched and feet out behind...napping. I was sort of horrified because I thought it died. I was mentioning the position and the guy said he thinks they are dead, too, snatches them up and discovers they are alive. I suppose it is just too hard to stay on your feet after birth...lol.