Raising chickens. Advice, comments, do's and don'ts wanted.

[Pullstart 60,069]

There’s more than the 100 acre wood would hold in that room!  

[Pullstart 60,069]

Well, this elusive coon is hungry.  Last night, it took the headless chicken from the snow where I tossed it.  The marshmallows were gone this afternoon when I checked the trap up close.  Reset.  We popped a decent sized rabbit tonight from the abundant supply and left it out as bait near the trap.  It’s already gone.  The moon is high and I can see well against the snow.  Tomorrow... night hunt!

[Pullstart 60,069]

I have a buddy down the road coming over tonight, we’re going to sit and wait for the imposter.  A couple buddies, couple shotguns and maybe a couple pistols.  Come ‘ere mr. coon!

[Zeek 2,284]

On 2/25/2021 at 4:19 PM, Ed Kennell said:

Here's a few of the dust collectors I've created.

 

 

This is what my yard looks like every day. I should start eating some . . .

 

[rmaynard 14,945]

Zeek is not kidding about "everyday".  I took this picture October 4, 2019.  @Zeek you will never have to worry about what to have for Thanksgiving dinner. 

 

[Ed Kennell 36,022]

2 hours ago, Zeek said:

 

This is what my yard looks like every day. I should start eating some . . .

 

      Wow, those Southern Osceola birds have some long legs.     I guess long legs are a necessity for all swamp creatures.

[ebinmaine 63,439]

10 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

 

      Wow, those Southern Osceola birds have some long legs.     I guess long legs are a necessity for all swamp creatures.

Man no kidding. 

Ain't built like that around here. 

 

 

 

[Pullstart 60,069]

Wow, I hardly ever see turkeys in my grassland field... if so just a handful.  In the woods across the street?  They come out to the field for snack time quite often!

 

I sat out for a bit last night.  Saw plenty of rabbits pass by my sights, but no coon.  The weather turned wet out so I kept cleaning in the shop.

[Jeff-C175 7,195]

2 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

I guess long legs are a necessity

 

Those look like genetically modified 'racing turkeys'!

 

Edited February 27, 2021 by Jeff-C175

[AMC RULES 36,957]

3 hours ago, Zeek said:

 

This is what my yard looks like every day. I should start eating some . . .

 

  Is the new gate there to keep them in or keep them out?   

[Zeek 2,284]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

Man no kidding. 

Ain't built like that around here. 

 

Yea, the turkeys and deer are definitely on the skinnier side here, guess it's the diet. Some say the turkeys are a little "gamey" tasting. Others says it's a matter of the prep like most game. Maybe one day I'll try one, but I've never dressed a turkey before. I'm sure that on YouTube though 

[Zeek 2,284]

1 hour ago, rmaynard said:

Zeek is not kidding about "everyday".  I took this picture October 4, 2019.  @Zeek you will never have to worry about what to have for Thanksgiving dinner. 

 

Had to believe it's been that long ago, 2020 went fast thank goodness . . .

[rmaynard 14,945]

23 minutes ago, Zeek said:

...but I've never dressed a turkey before. 

 

You could probably start with something like a scarf and a cape.

 

 

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. 

[seven 202]

Go with the buff orpington they are good layers and are very friendly birds

[DennisThornton 4,769]

59 minutes ago, seven said:

Go with the buff orpington they are good layers and are very friendly birds

Great birds! Combs get a bit of frost bite up here but could not ask for better temperaments including the big roosters.  Good mothers and layers. 

Edited February 27, 2021 by DennisThornton

[ebinmaine 63,439]

1 hour ago, seven said:

Go with the buff orpington they are good layers and are very friendly birds

 

23 minutes ago, DennisThornton said:

Great birds! Combs get a bit of frost bite up here but could not ask for better temperaments including the big roosters.  Good mothers and layers. 

 

 

We've had our flock for almost 2 years. 

Excellent birds. 

We've been very happy with them. 

[DennisThornton 4,769]

7 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

 

 

We've had our flock for almost 2 years. 

Excellent birds. 

We've been very happy with them. 

Had Rhode Island reds for a few years and really liked them as well but the roosters can get testy.  I didn't put up with it but they would get after others as well and since part of the reason was kids...  Never been an issue with the Orpingtons!  Good sized eggs too!  I'm thinking of adding some Guineas.  Some complain about noise, but the ones down the road aren't so I'm not sure why.  They were with lots of other chickens, so maybe...

[Ed Kennell 36,022]

3 hours ago, Zeek said:

I've never dressed a turkey before

I never scald and pluck a wild bird.    I hang mine head up and skin down enough to  remove the breast and the legs.   What's left is fed to the eagles.

Breast meat can be used in any recipe where chicken or turkey breast is called for.

I usually  make turkey salad from the legs,  and thighs as they are dark and can be dry.      I crock pot them , then chop the meat and add  mayo and pickle relish for sandwiches.

[DennisThornton 4,769]

5 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Man no kidding. 

Ain't built like that around here. 

 

 

 

The others were Brown Pelicans!

[DennisThornton 4,769]

1 hour ago, Ed Kennell said:

I never scald and pluck a wild bird.    I hang mine head up and skin down enough to  remove the breast and the legs.   What's left is fed to the eagles.

Breast meat can be used in any recipe where chicken or turkey breast is called for.

I usually  make turkey salad from the legs,  and thighs as they are dark and can be dry.      I crock pot them , then chop the meat and add  mayo and pickle relish for sandwiches.

The last turkeys I killed I skinned the whole bird.  Not saying I recommend it but that's what I did.  Without some skin and fat you have to adjust how to use the meat.  Crock pot is a great way!  Reminds me, I've got to butcher a few roosters soon.  Didn't want to when it was zero to teens, but it's warming up.  I'll dip and pluck them.  They might go on the grill for a very slow roast.

[Pullstart 60,069]

Funny pictures here.  The birds were all chicks in 2018.  We’ve been getting a couple double yolkers lately.  Now, a pullet egg pops out!

 

 

[ebinmaine 63,439]

We've had some of those wee wittle ones but no giant eggs that I can recall.  

 

That big one is a meal for two just by itself!

 

 

[Jeff-C175 7,195]

2 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

a meal for two

 

Meaning I need TWO for my breakfast!  

[ebinmaine 63,439]

4 minutes ago, Jeff-C175 said:

 

Meaning I need TWO for my breakfast!  

 

I approve this and I'm willing to do my part to follow the rule. 

[Pullstart 60,069]

Yeah, I’m a 3 egg omelette kinda guy.  Just add meat and gravy if ya got it.