I think I've finally been cured of my desire to go into the "less harm" egg business. Though I think such things can possibly exist, I've learned I just don't have a hard enough heart for it, to raise the number of birds it would require to make a business of it, and take responsibility for their lives and deaths. I bought 50 day old chicks during the summer, to add to my existing flocks. I bought "straight run" chicks, who are just as they hatch, without being sexed, so you get about 50% each males and females. I felt it was the most responsible thing, instead of letting the hatchery grind up the males. Which means I have about 25 new roosters in addition to my previous 10, six of which are designated pets. I can't keep 35 roosters. It's very hard having just six roosters crowing all day.<br><br><br><br>
These chicks have had many problems, seemingly being cursed. They got badly stressed during a heat-wave, and went into a frenzy of cannibalism, from which they have never recovered. Last week two were killed and partially eaten by the others for no apparent reason and today I had to separate four from the others because they were being picked. One had a large hole picked through the back of her neck, which I had to stitch up. She might survive this, maybe not. Those who were the worst picked are stunted in growth.<br><br><br><br>
I just can't handle this amount of carnage, so, I'm throwing in the towel. It's unfortunate, because I think there is a place for "less harm" eggs in our society. But I won't be able to fill it. I'll probably sell a few eggs from these hens, but I won't be adding more to get up to a commercial number, these will have to stay as pets or "hobby farming."<br><br><br><br>
I think people need to know how hard it is to raise eggs that are "humane" or less harm. It's very very difficult and those eggs should be very expensive.<br><br><br><br>
I think pet chickens, either rescued or from loving homes, are another thing altogether and can probably provide humane eggs. Just keep in mind that chickens can live eight years, and only produce eggs regularly for about two or three years. This is a serious commitment of your time.
These chicks have had many problems, seemingly being cursed. They got badly stressed during a heat-wave, and went into a frenzy of cannibalism, from which they have never recovered. Last week two were killed and partially eaten by the others for no apparent reason and today I had to separate four from the others because they were being picked. One had a large hole picked through the back of her neck, which I had to stitch up. She might survive this, maybe not. Those who were the worst picked are stunted in growth.<br><br><br><br>
I just can't handle this amount of carnage, so, I'm throwing in the towel. It's unfortunate, because I think there is a place for "less harm" eggs in our society. But I won't be able to fill it. I'll probably sell a few eggs from these hens, but I won't be adding more to get up to a commercial number, these will have to stay as pets or "hobby farming."<br><br><br><br>
I think people need to know how hard it is to raise eggs that are "humane" or less harm. It's very very difficult and those eggs should be very expensive.<br><br><br><br>
I think pet chickens, either rescued or from loving homes, are another thing altogether and can probably provide humane eggs. Just keep in mind that chickens can live eight years, and only produce eggs regularly for about two or three years. This is a serious commitment of your time.