by Michael Lobby
Well, my surgery has been scheduled and I have just enough time to raise one batch of pasture-raised broilers. I placed my order for the day old chicks and they should be arriving next Friday. So, a lot of work to do this weekend to get ready for the little peepers. I will be enclosing one of the outside stalls and installing bell waterers, warming lights and feeders. The stall should be quite warm and cozy and ready for them after their long journey from Cackle Hatchery in Missouri. The 10-day weather forecast is calling for some “light snow at 500 feet this weekend” which for us translates to icy driveway. It should mellow out by the end of the week when the chicks are scheduled to arrive at the post office.
They will remain in the brooder stall for about 3 weeks before we can start to harden them off for transfer to a moveable pen in the pasture (which I still have to build). Their remaining time will be spent in the pen on fresh grass. The pen will be moved on a daily basis so the chicks can feast on new greens and bugs and leave their rich fertilizer behind. At about the 8 week point they will dress out at 4-6lbs. They will be available for pickup at the farm on butchering day for all those who placed their orders and reserved some of this delicious farm raised goodness.
My plan is to recover from surgery by the end of July and then start another batch that first week of August. Hay will be cut, baled and stored by then. I’m also looking forward to raising some plump turkeys to be available for the holiday season. We are beginning to feel the symptoms of Spring Fever and are very excited about a productive growing season! Look for updates on this blog as well as our farm site www.dartcreekfarm.com
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