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John
John
9 years ago

There is quite the movement of killing your thanksgiving bird. On one hand you empower others to take an active part in where their food comes from and charge a premium price doing so. Downside is a long day of setup, handholding, and cleanup.

Joshua Reynolds
9 years ago

Nicely said. I agree and am trying to learn this skill of having others pay for my food – currently I my chicken egg sales pay for almost all my feed for my chickens, quail and rabbits.

I think that so far, though, my quail are not nearly as profitable as they should be since I’m not getting a meat yield yet – but that’s my fault since I’m not set up to brood them yet. Soon I will be and then I’ll have more meat instead of just the egss.

Caddy
9 years ago

Question for Jack or anyone who keeps small animals or birds. When it’s time to slaughter a rabbit, quail, duck or chicken etc, does one have to bring the unlucky one well away from the others where they won’t see or hear their comrade or relative getting the chop or the twist. I imagine it would be terrifying on clutch to witness a kill, especially by the person who they see everday and are dependent on for food and water, also I imagine that the fear would weaken their immune system. I like the idea of being self sufficient with homstead food, I just dont fancy the end game bit!

Farmer Dan
Farmer Dan
8 years ago

“We want our animals to never understand they are going to die, to just be here one moment and gone the next. To feel a bit each time we take a life but know we did it the best way it can be done. Quick, efficient, painless, with as little stress as possible.”
Well said sir.
Jack, this is exactly how we treat all of the animals on our farm. We give them a wonderful life and they have one bad moment. I never enjoy taking an animal’s life but know in my heart that I have done my best by them. I always give thanks for their lives to provide nourishment to our family and patrons.

Radine Franclemont
Radine Franclemont
9 years ago

Just a thought, Jack. Wouldn’t it be easier for you, to find people to go in on the initial purchase? The larger the order, cheaper the price per bird, and you don’t have to care for them or find buyers at the back end.

Radine Franclemont
Radine Franclemont
9 years ago

No, I think you misunderstood me. What I was suggesting was you ask your listeners if there were any who would be interested in going in on an order with you. Obviously they would have to be local , because when the birds are delivered, you give them a call, and they pick them up. More people going in on the order means less cost per bird, and now you DONT have to find buyers after they’ve grown to slaughter size.

SlowBro
SlowBro
9 years ago

What do you do to cut down on the predator pressure?