Last creepy meat question, I promise!

[big brown horse]

Thanks Bee, FJ and everyone else.

Ok, I made a huge mistake, they are only 8 weeks old. We aren't processing them until NEXT Sat. I don't know what is happening to my brain these days....

The lethargic one was killed by a racoon last night. We were out and didn't get them put up until after dusk....I guess that solves that. I also need to keep big Sully ("squeakers") out there more often, we haven't had any racoon attacks in a long time, and I let my guard down. (And I know it was a stupid racoon b/c they are the only prey animal that will just yank off a head and leave the rest to rot. )

I'm going to give them feed 24 hours a day now plus veggie and other kitchen scraps. The cockerels (if that is what they are, not sure) are the perfect size IMO, but the pullets(?) need some more meat on their bones.

Thanks everyone!

 

[miss_thenorth]

Sorry, but that sounds more like a weasel or a mink to me. I'd be setting some traps and keeping the dogs out at night.

 

[Beekissed]

If it was outside at dusk, it could have been a Great Horned Owl...they like to eat the brains. One of my young pullets who liked to roost out in the hay and out of reach of the dogs was ended in much the same way. Found her in the field next to my property with her head off and there ain't no way a coon got that close to my place without a real big racket, so I'm guessing it was death from above.

 

[TanksHill]

We processed 20 birds and one turkey yesterday. It was a long day. I wish we had that plucker. Next time for sure. Sorry to hear about your bird. Survival of the fittest comes to mind.

G

 

[big brown horse]

We also have weazels and minks too...and I'm not talking about my ex husband.

 

[Avalon1984]

Good luck with your processing! We did 3 dual purpose roos on Sunday and all dressed out at 3lbs and 3oz. Will do 2 more today and make some room in that coop. I hope your chickens will gain some more weight for you

 

[big brown horse]

Oh, thank you! They are already looking heavier. I have two more that can't walk so I put them in a box with hay and fresh water and food. They seem content...hope they make it till Sat.

I'm thinking about adding a few non laying unfriendly gals to the mix too. I have a light colored wheaten ameraucana that never lays, always looks dirty and is mean to my more friendly egg laying birds. She is hard to catch or else she would have gotten the axe a long time ago. Plus a big, fat, old non laying BA that is the meanest chicken I've ever had...she just wails on my meaties that are too slow to get away.

Since I got some pretty lavendar orpington chicks I need to make some room in the coop for this winter...when it gets dark at 4:30 and stays dark until 8:00.

 

[freemotion]

Go into the coop after dark and gather up whoever you want...deposit them into a dog crate or box with holes for air and there you have it!

 

[big brown horse]

Will do free.

What do I do if two won't get up anymore? Should I process them now? (I've been hand watering and feeding them all day now.)

 

[lorihadams]

Yep....kill them now before they kick the bucket on ya.