Chicks
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Raise Your Own
We have many customers who buy layer feed from us but don't raise their own meat birds
because they don't want to butcher them. According to the local Department of Agriculture
Inspector, we can work with you to process your birds. Beginning this year, we will have the
processing equipment available for rent and will also teach processing classes. During the
class, you can be involved as much (i.e. the entire butchering process) - or as little
(concentrating mostly on packaging) - as you would like, but you must be present during
processing.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, we've made it easy!
We will provide you with chicks and the feed for you to raise them at home. We will happily
share with you information about our brooder and field pen designs as well as answer any
of your questions or concerns about raising the birds. When they are ready for butcher
(about 7-8 weeks), bring them back...we can even loan you some cages...and we'll "help"
you process and package your chickens. Again, you MUST be at the farm during the entire
processing and packaging - about 4 hours.
For $325.00 you will receive:
» 25 Cornish Cross chicks
» 400 lbs. feed
» Processing/Packaging Class (25 birds)
With good weather and good animal husbandry, the birds should be ready to butcher in
7-8 weeks with a dressed-out weight of over 4 pounds. After the class you will go home
with birds ready for the table or the freezer and the peace of mind that comes from knowing
exactly where your food came from.
Processing Equipment Rental
Includes: Kill Cones, Scalder, Plucker, Eviscerating Table with Sink, Chill Tank, Packaging Table,
Bleach Water, Offal Buckets & Offal Disposal
You provide: Knives, Filled Propane Tank, Aprons (if desired), Ice Chest to transport birds home
Up to 6 hours.................................................$100
Each additional hour or part of an hour...........$25
Ice................................................................$1.75/bag
Chicken-size Shrink bags and clips..................$0.30 each
Turkey-size Shrink bags and clips....................$0.75 each
