Guest Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 I am going to do mine myself. I know it will be hard and I might be upset at the time - but my OH is squeamish at even holding a wing for me to clip. In fact after the first two birds, I gave up and did it myself. He held the end of the wings - with just two fingers and looked away, and shuddered bless him. He can't bear it even when I gut fish - and anything else I do in the garage when he is out. (I have kitchen units and worktops out there so all clean). He is such a kind caring person - so I can totally understand. I was told that the best and most humane method was to use a pair of very sharp scissors. But I will wait until the time comes before I decide. My farmer friend who does all the chickens will show me the other way. I have seen him do it on chickens, and it was so calm and peaceful - but they are 10 times bigger than quail. How many are you keeping, have you decided yet? Will you just keep the hens for layers? If you need a male to create new bloodline there is a place near me you can buy them. Both your eggs and mine are from the same person - otherwise I would have given you one of my youngsters. Let me know how you get on. And glad that your husband is doing the deed for you. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted March 14, 2008 Author Share Posted March 14, 2008 I'm keeping all the girls and as many boys as I can I think I have about 6-8 girls so two boys? That means quite a few to cull about 1/2:? I'm not planning to reproduce fromt hem to start so will stick with these as the eggs will be fine to eat. When I need to start breeding I'll look at another strain, hopeully D will have some more by then. My three legged chick had its head pulled off it showed me just how fragile they are. I'm getting him in training though for when he has to move onto meat chickens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Dilly; do you want a hand when I am up at Easter? Poor OH, he is so sweet. Phil is very good at restraining birds and helping with medicating. I also get him to hold the bunnies while i clip their claws.... that way he gets covered in fluff and i don't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 That ratio seems to be what the experts recommend. 1:4 or 1:5. I think 1:3 is OK too - but guess it would be best to re-affirm with D in case of any possible problems. Like worn out hens Or quarrelsome male quail So we can look forward to your self sufficient life then - brilliant. I am virtually self sufficient veggie and fruit wise, and have friends who grow my table birds for me. And a great small farm where I can get my other meats from - now don't sell to the public or market as the grain prices have made it loss making - and I also get my goats milk from them. The village baker sells me flour - so got most things sorted Now with a quail supply - my sons are rubbing their hands together - and I get to see more of them - for meat and veggies and eggs The sun is shining so off to clean out the chickens and quail - great to get some fresh air! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Dilly; do you want a hand when I am up at Easter? Poor OH, he is so sweet. Phil is very good at restraining birds and helping with medicating. I also get him to hold the bunnies while i clip their claws.... that way he gets covered in fluff and i don't I won't be doing any culling yet, or at Easter. But you can have a cuddle of the babies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Of course! You'll have to check my pockets when I go though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Don't I always? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
