Egg Demand and Pricing

[Cindi]

Angi, I don't think you ranted about the caponizing.  You have been that vet assistant and have clearly and very obviously seen some mistakes made in this act performed on the roosters.  I think that people just don't realize the depth of the surgical aspect of caponizing.  I am hoping now that more understanding has been given.  Rant like this any time you feel the need, it is that learning curve that we all need to learn about.  Have a wonderful, great day, Cindi

[thomashton]

I agree. I won't try caponizing my birds. I just don't like the thought of actually cutting a bird open without anesthesia and removing the testes. A vet would never do that and most of the civilized world would be disguisted to even learn that it happens.

I however don't get on anyone's case for doing so. It is your flock and your birds. I prefer to feed them for 8-12 weeks and do it fast and easy with a single chop of the hatchet.

[Romahawk]

I agree. I won't try caponizing my birds. I just don't like the thought of actually cutting a bird open without anesthesia and removing the testes. A vet would never do that and most of the civilized world would be disguisted to even learn that it happens.

Boy things sure have changed since Hector was a pup. Back in the 50's we injected a pellet into the back of the neck just below the comb. Just pull up a little flap of skin pop the pellet in and grab the next bird. Used to do hundreds of them in a very short time. Chemically neutered in a second with no discomfort to the bird.

[Beekissed]

I don't know if anyone answered the question about why freerange chicken's eggs are better.  They just have more of everything that is good in an egg!  I have a link somewhere that compares the nutrient levels but I can't find it right now!  You only have to crack a store-bought, cage-raised or even a so-called freeranged from the supermarket, next to a farm egg to notice the difference.  The yolks are a completely different shade of yellow.  The farm egg is so superlative in taste as to have no comparison to the pale, runny store-bought egg. 

My rooster is a valuable member of the flock, is a gentleman---neatly and quietly steps on to do his thing, never chases!, and takes good care of his ladies.  Immediately alerts to a hawk, sends the cat packing and gets everyone into the coop on time.  Having said that, I don't think I would have a rooster in town.  The less people notice your chickens, the better.  Neighbors can get mighty wicked in a town about "farm animals" living next door. 

[reinbeau]

Here is a great article on free range eggs from Mother Earth News.

Here is a chart showing the nutritional test results for 2007. 

And finally, here is a page with great links on all things chicken courtesy of MEN.