La Chatte Gitane (or The Gypsy Cat) was the name we chose for our cottage in France at the time. We chose it while on the road, moving house the first time round, from Ireland to France with 2 dogs and 7 cats in the car.
This blog began its insignificant life as a recipe book for friends and family who would ask me repeatedly for a recipe of this, that and the other.
Since then it has taken many different directions, like we did and like gypsies tend to do. Sometimes making a U-turn and revisiting familiar roads and taking a break when necessary.
You'll find recipes here, but also musings about the places we've called home, the gardens that we've established, not always successfully, the homes we've improved and the environments we've lived in. Currently, after yet another stint in Ireland, we're back in France @ Le Mas d'Ayen

Tuesday, June 07, 2016

Broiler Chickens

Ahem.
Yes, we eat meat.
No, I don't have to justify myself.
I prefer to know where my meat comes from and reared as freely and natural as possible. If we can raise the animals ourselves, all the better.
So here we are. Fifteen broilers, now just over two weeks old. Friends of ours also raise their own and when they got theirs we asked to bring us some too.
The little chicks were only one day old when our friends bought them. They kept these and their own 35 under a heat lamp for a good week.

The chicks have been here now since Friday or Saturday ( I can't keep up with the days) and they are doing well.  
They run after  flies, midges, buzzing things..., they eat a lot of food and drink copious amounts of water.
They love to stretch one leg and one wing at the same time, which I find funny.
In short, they are healthy and content as far as we can see. We keep a watchful eye to make sure that it stays that way.



I have added a very short video clip just to see if this malarkey works.


Patricia xxx...x
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4 comments:

  1. Sue3:20 pm

    They look a happy bunch and if you're going to eat meat and you have the means and space it's good to rear your own.

    Have you thought of adding a bale of straw so they have something to hop on and off and to peck at just to give them something to do. As they get bigger they might start pecking at each other otherwise. Also do they roost on perches at night or just sit on the ground?

    I think home rearing your own meat is a very good idea, at least you know that their life (and death) has been a good one.

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    Replies
    1. Patricia (La Chatte Gitane)6:33 pm

      No, I hadn't thought of a straw bale ! I might just do that.
      They don't roost on perches, no. That is the thing with broilers, they are not bred for roosting.
      I think I might hang a green cabbage on a string as well so they can peck on that too, giving them something green to eat in the meantime.
      Good advice, Sue. Ta. xxx...x

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  2. sustainablemum9:22 am

    If I ate meat I think I would be doing the same. At least you know how your meat was raised and looked after :). I don't think you need to justify yourself at all. I don't eat meat beacuse I don't like it, the rest of my family do and I am happy to cook it for them!

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    Replies
    1. Patricia (La Chatte Gitane)11:24 am

      That's just it. You don't eat meat because you don't like it. Many people are veggie or vegan for ethical/other reasons and I don't want to go into a discussion about it.
      I understand all sides of the argument, but we've decided for ourselves, when we eat meat we'll eat good quality 'happy' meat. :) xxx...x

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