Raising table birds (own use) and types of feed.

Chasingmytail

Member

Location

Newport, SE Wales

• May 14, 2019

• #1

My question is. Rearing the table birds from 28 day to say 70 day what % protein is correct. 16% 20% Im confused as so many brands are different? Different companies label different so Hi Peak Organics call it Grower. I dont bother with finisher. Mole Valley do Fattener - are these the same thing - I assume so. Mole Valley being cheaper than High Peak plus no carriage fee/small lot surcharge.

What should I be looking for in quality and % protein?

 

D

DrWazzock

Member

Arable Farmer

Location

Lincolnshire

• May 15, 2019

• #2

Sometimes you have to put them on finisher to purge out the grower as some of the stuff in some grower rations isn't desirable in a bird for eating.

I would guess most brands are similar but best ask advice of whoever produces the feed. We always used chick crumbs then grower and then finisher. If you follow the instructions you can't be blamed.

 

ollie989898

Member

Location

Hanging from a twig, in a deep sleep.

• May 15, 2019

• #3

What breeds are best for eating, just out of interest, I would like to keep an old fashioned flock and eat the odd one myself.

 

7

7610 super q

Never Forgotten

Honorary Member

• May 15, 2019

• #4

These guys know their onions. Not sure whether they supply small quantities though.....

https://www.humphreyfeedsandpullets.co.uk/

 

D

DrWazzock

Member

Arable Farmer

Location

Lincolnshire

• May 15, 2019

• #5

Can't remember who we got the last ones from, but they came from Andover on the train. Only time I ever picked up 2 dozen chicks at the station! The station master knew which box it was because it was cheaping.

They were the white commercial hybrids that grow extremely fast. Of course dad thought it was a pity to slaughter them after only 6 weeks so we gave them a bit longer. Some started having heart attacks and going off their legs so we did them all. They were huge and would hardly fit in the oven. More meat than you could manage.

I once tried fattening a traditional breed, Buff Orpingtons, but the cocks started fighting and they were as tough as hell. I then realised why commercial hybrids ruled the chicken meat world.

 

Jameshenry

Member

Location

Cornwall

• May 16, 2019

• #6

ollie989898 said:

What breeds are best for eating, just out of interest, I would like to keep an old fashioned flock and eat the odd one myself.

Click to expand...

Cornish game is an old fashioned meat breed

 

CaliMo

Member

Livestock Farmer

Location

Laytonville, California

• May 16, 2019

• #7

The Buff Orpington or Brahama or other large bird is a good option if you want a layer flock that is also nice for the table.

DrWazzock said:

I once tried fattening a traditional breed, Buff Orpingtons, but the cocks started fighting and they were as tough as hell. I then realised why commercial hybrids ruled the chicken meat world.

Click to expand...

I have found that the trick to having tender poultry is to age it, just like a beef, but not as long of course. Sometimes it can take several days in the fridge before it's ready to cook. If you cook it right away it will be super tough.

 

Chasingmytail

Member

Location

Newport, SE Wales

• May 17, 2019

• #8

Ive got a mine from Piggots.https://www.piggottspoultry.co.uk/meat.html Nos S44 and 957. Finding quality day olds that deliver is difficult.

The only way of doing it with old breeds is to hatch your own but thats time with errors. Did it before but ended up with raising just 6 birds. I did try to get Sassos but the importer is impossible to get hold of he just doesnt answer the phone and when he does thats the last time you here from him.