Yesterday we processed the last batch of broilers for the season. Today we will be tidying up a bit. This batch was Cornish Cross and dressed out well. We averaged out a bit over 5.5 lbs. No matter how frustrated we were with their apathy and lethargy we were certainly impressed by the carcass. This batch had it a bit rough….the last of the season brings wider temperature swings, their pen was beat up by the cows, the hawk, that damned owl and a couple of nights below freezing. The males and females dressed out very similar in weight….unlike the red broilers where the cockerels really outpaced the hens.
Couple of interesting notes during processing. The size of the gizzard was about half the size of the red broilers. Also, the wad of viscera was smaller compared to their body mass. The lungs also pulled out easier. The crops gave Anita more trouble probably due to the Hans and Frans necks.Pick-up went well.
I was a bit slow getting the shrink wrap water ready, and one customer took them unshrunk- only bagged and ringed. Overall not a bad season……now to plan for next year. Should we try turkeys? Can we blend our own ration? Will the new shelters hold up? What to do with the dryland? How can we speed up processing? Should we advertise? Two-Stage brooding? Can we deepen out the pond? Should we put in apples for the pigs? Can we grow our grains?
No responses yet