Backyard broilers: How to raise meat birds from brooder to freezer

keywords

backyard broilers, chicken raising, homesteading, meat birds, laying hens, chicken feed, poultry processing, community farming, sustainable agriculture, spirituality in farming

summary

In this episode of the Farmstead Forum Podcast, hosts Emily Faulkner and Allie Lothman delve into the intricacies of raising backyard broilers. They discuss the differences between laying hens and meat birds, feeding practices, and the challenges of ordering chicks amidst supply shortages. The conversation also covers the selection of chicken breeds, the harvesting process, and essential supplies needed for processing. Allie shares insights from her experiences, emphasizing the importance of community learning and the spiritual aspects of homesteading. The episode concludes with a discussion on managing backyard chicken environments and the benefits of fermented feed, along with an introduction to Allie's YouTube channel and upcoming workshop.

takeaways

• Raising meat birds and laying hens can be done together.

• Feeding practices can be simplified by using the same feed for both types of birds.

• Ordering chicks can be challenging due to supply shortages.

• Cornish cross meat birds are fast-growing and easy to raise.

• Heritage breeds like Dorkings take longer to grow but offer different benefits.

• Investing in proper equipment can streamline the harvesting process.

• Community support is invaluable in the homesteading journey.

• Homesteading fosters a deeper connection to food and spirituality.

• Managing smell and flies is crucial in backyard settings.

• Fermented feed can improve chicken health and growth.

titles

• Raising Backyard Broilers: A Comprehensive Guide

• From Brooder to Freezer: The Journey of Meat Birds

Sound Bites

• "Come grow with us today."

• "Homegrown chicken tasted so much cleaner."

• "Homesteading lifestyle adds so much value."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Backyard Broilers

02:49Raising Meat Birds vs. Laying Hens

05:27Feeding Practices for Chickens

08:13Ordering Chicks and Hatchery Challenges

11:01Choosing the Right Breeds for Meat Birds

13:56The Benefits of Homegrown Chicken

17:17Logistics of Raising Meat Birds

17:24Preparing for Chick Delivery

19:38Harvest Day Essentials

23:47Learning from Others: Processing Insights

26:21The Spirituality of Homesteading

29:27Managing Backyard Livestock

32:02Fermented Feed Benefits

34:47Documenting the Homesteading Journey

37:05Upcoming Workshops and Community Engagement

38:17Thanks for listenting!.mp4