Recent content by Tstraub

  1. Tstraub

    Processing non-meat breed cockerels

    That sounds like a solid plan to me. I’m sure the original people that developed the breed followed a similar plan. If you have a hen that lays a lot of eggs an is the size you want hatch her eggs eat the eggs of the ones that don’t preform as well. I’m definitely putting table qualities first...
  2. Tstraub

    Processing non-meat breed cockerels

    Yes early growth will be one of the things I’ll be breeding for. I’ve been doing a lot of reading and listening to podcasts but don’t have much experience selecting. I’m looking forward to the challenge
  3. Tstraub

    Processing non-meat breed cockerels

    I tried hand both plucking and skining then my wife found a deal on a barely used yardbird plucker. It was more money than I wanted to spend but less than half price of new. After using it a couple of times I have to admit it was money well spent.
  4. Tstraub

    Processing non-meat breed cockerels

    I only have 5 Bresse so far but they look and feel a lot meatier than the Marans mixes. I have been trying to track their live weight and they are growing faster than the mixed breeds I have had in the past. They also have thinner legs so I assume that means a better meat to bone ratio. I plan...
  5. Tstraub

    Processing non-meat breed cockerels

    Great write up I enjoyed hearing your experience. I’ll add some of my experience for anyone interested. I proceeded 11 cockerels all mixed breed the sire is a BMC, dams included EE, OE, Wyandotte, Barred Rock, ect. They were just over 14 weeks old they dressed out between 2.8-3.3 pounds most...
  6. Tstraub

    Straub’s search for colored eggs

    Thanks
  7. Tstraub

    Straub’s search for colored eggs

    The Bresse are now 15 weeks old and the pullets are beginning to grow in their combs and wattles. Bresse are considered to be at point of lay at 16-18 weeks. I think since it’s fall season mine will most likely start later. When I feel there pin bones they still feel close together. I did go...
  8. Tstraub

    BlueTheBrahma’s thread!

    I don’t know if you have any similar services over there but over here in Indiana USA. Perdue University will do a necropsy on up to 6 birds for $66 USD and tell you what killed them. I haven’t needed the service but it comes up in local Facebook groups and people seem to think it’s worth the price
  9. Tstraub

    Wrath's Marans

    Did you set more eggs or just split the ones you already had going across more incubators for sorting purposes?
  10. Tstraub

    Straub’s search for colored eggs

    We sent 11 cockerels to freezer camp this morning. They were a little smaller than I wanted but I’m glad to have them off the feed bill and off the chore list. It only took a little over an hour to get them on ice. I saw a red fox in my back yard this morning. When it saw me it walked across...
  11. Tstraub

    Straub’s search for colored eggs

    The crooked toed cockerel is starting to shape up fairly well. He is still smaller than the other one but he is putting on weight pretty well. He does have the straightest keel of any of the five Bresse. His earlobes are the whitest of any of the five birds. He is going to get a pardon and will...
  12. Tstraub

    Straub’s search for colored eggs

    I have an MRI scheduled for Wednesday and a dr appointment for Tuesday the 18th. I’m off work until at least my next Dr appointment. Physically I feel like it’s going in the right direction. As long as I’m wearing a brace I can walk without pain but when I take the brace off the knee doesn’t...
  13. Tstraub

    Straub’s search for colored eggs

    On Thursday morning I slipped and fell and twisted my right knee. X-ray didn’t show and new bone damage just some arthritis, possible loose bodies, and scar tissue from a previous injury. I’m off work and waiting for insurance to OK an MRI. My wife has taken over chicken chores This morning I...
  14. Tstraub

    Wrath's Marans

    You all need to stop talking turkey around here. My wife mentioned them last week now you’re all talking about them. I was considering adding a smaller bird like quail and everyone is swaying my mind to going bigger. I think if I were to add turkey I would go with broad breasted and just do one...
  15. Tstraub

    Straub’s search for colored eggs

    I’m definitely thankful that past me had the foresight to measure the trailer when I was building the coop.
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