andrewedmondson Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 I have managed 20 hens for the last few years, just for eggs. Now I would like to raise some hens for eating. Ideally, I would like to incubate the eggs and raise them from scratch. The problem is that I cannot have cockerells because of the neighbours (I have a very large allotment). How do members get rid of their male chicks? The alsternative is to buy female chicks to start with. Any ideas where to get say Sussex Light chicks from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 From what I can gather, you raise them until they start to crow and then eat them But I'm sure that someone who knows will be able to give you some 'proper' advice shortly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Snoweys got it in one No point getting rid of them younger thats just a waste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewedmondson Posted July 31, 2007 Author Share Posted July 31, 2007 How simple. Thanks very much. Three families share the large run I built. The kids are going to love watching the chicks hatch and grow up. We are going to try the new incubator that looks like a giant egg. Here's a link: http://www.incubate-eggs.com/product/categoryid/86/productid/806?sessionid=1185833180def8819e838473cf73ae6930939bf424 It's cheaper than the rest and fully automatic. Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Cockerels start to crow at about 18-20 weeks - you may be unlucky and get one that crows earlier but then you have a perfect 'chicken for two' size! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewedmondson Posted July 31, 2007 Author Share Posted July 31, 2007 Thanks Lesley. I was thinking of trying Sussex Lights. I currently have Warrens for "an egg a day". I think I remember Sussex Lights being recommended by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall for the table. Apparently they lay well too. Is there an age after which broilers are too tough to eat? If I wanted to have 16 Sussex Lights, should I incubate say 24 eggs to be on the safe side? At what age can you still integrate a new batch of chicks to an earlier batch? Lots of questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 btw if you want light sussex hatching eggs I know a good supplier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewedmondson Posted August 1, 2007 Author Share Posted August 1, 2007 Yes please. Can you post the details? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 will pm you later when I've spoken to said bloke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
