Thrifty Ways - Raising Chickens and Fish for Food

photos - our last batch of chicks (2008)

I am so excited, I finally got my chickens ordered.
No one in my family wants to kill animals for meat. We want happy chickens
laying big brown double yolk eggs. The problem is that we still eat meat
and I feel we should take responsibility for raising (and butchering) our own meat.
If you are feeling squeamish you are not the only one!

We are trying an experiment. I have ordered a "FryPan Special" from a hatchery in
Lebanon, Missouri. It's a great deal, you get 25 heavy breed cockerels with a free bonus
of 5 exotic chicks. 30 chickens for $13. The shipping cost more than the chicks at $15.

Our local grain elevator sells 50 lb. bags of medicated chick starter for $10. per bag.
My son can ride the lawn mower up there to pick up bags as we need them.

I plan to raise them to the size of "Cornish Game Hens" then put them in the freezer.
The chicks in the photo grew into fat happy egg layers and still provide eggs for my
family down South.

You may think this is an odd time of year to order chicks, but we'll only be raising them for
7 or 8 weeks.

Next batch will be eggs layers.

Pheasant chick starter can be substituted for chicken food. If this experiment goes well I may
order a batch of Pheasant chicks.

Our 2nd experiment in home meat production begins this weekend.
We have hired our neighbor to dig a pond where I will begin my Aquaculture experiment.

Catfish are easy to grow and can survive bitter winters. I can grow enough fish to fill a large freezer
each year. I can also add a few ducks and geese for eggs. Cat Tails grow here
and they have several delicious edible parts, so they are "in" as well.

Chicken and Fish are very expensive in our local stores.
Wish me luck in my efforts to provide for my family.

I am just grateful for the chance to try.