Recent content by meowsandy

I have been getting pullets in March for at least 6 years, and they are always laying regularly by the end of September. So I don't think timing is the issue. We hatched silkies the same time that these girls hatched and the silkies have been regularily laying for 2 months, and silkies are...

Another thing that might be relevant, these pullets all have small, pale combs, not large like a mature layer. Except the EE who is laying.

I bought about 25 pullets this past spring, hatch date was in the last week of February. All were heritage breeds such as Buff Orpington, Partridge Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red. These came from a local feed store that was making a big prebuy from a major hatchery, though I don't remember...

We start processing at 8 weeks old. I pick the biggest, and any that have pale combs, limps, or obvious issues. I have 5 that are 10 1/2 weeks old and we are letting them go to see how big they will grow. We do restrict feed to 12 hours a day and free range our birds. After 9 weeks old I...

This basically described our first experience raising cornish cross. It was a terrible experience and we spent about $40 a bird, for birds that dressed out at about 4 lbs. But I gave it another shot. I read a bunch of posts on here, and asked a bunch of questions. It's gotten better and...

Mtnmomma3, thank you for your input. We did end up processing the rangers at about 12.5 weeks. The roosters dressed out at about 4.5 lbs, the hens at about 4. This was the same weight as the Cornish X, but since these birds have a larger frame, it means less meat. The hens were actually...

I wouldn't worry too much about being on schedule. Growing them slightly slower will give you much healthier birds in the long run. We grew ours slow and processed our CornishX at 9 weeks this year, and they were our best yet. I like to alternate fermented feed with organic Broiler grower...

SoFFarm had some good suggestions. I would add that moving them out to pasture at about 3 weeks if possible will help with the fast growth. They won't forage much, but the exercise is good for them. Apple Cider Vinegar in the water does help, but won't prevent coccidia. I don't feed...

This spring we picked up 10 Freedom Rangers with our 20 Cornish Cross, just to see how they compare. The Cornish Cross were processed three weeks ago, at 9 weeks, and averaged 4.5 lbs, dressed. The Red Rangers will be 12 weeks on Monday. They have a fairly large build, when I feel them, they...

We got our Wyndottes from Tractor Supply, so I suspect that we just got a poor line. If we decide on Wytndottes I'll try McMurrey Hatchery. Thanks for the recommendation.

Thank You for the suggestions. Wyndottes7, We do like our Wyndottes, which we just got last year. However ours have been poor layers this winter. Your recommendation of them makes me think that perhaps ours are atypical and we should give them another try. Do you have a supplier that you...

I need help selecting what breed of chickens to raise this year. We've had an eclectic assortment over the last few years, including Production Reds, Sex Links, Australorp, Buff Orpington, Barred Rock, Wyndotte, and assorted bantams. I'm ready to select one breed and try to hatch and raise our...

Yes, the remaining three are dong well. BUt they were several weeks old when we got them, so they had a head start.

Well, we lost the little one. : ( Yes, we have the others on the Rooster Booster vitamin, electrolite, and probiotic suppliment. I'll give them a little egg daily. What's the best way to prepare it for them? hard boiled or scrambled? And I'll start the polyvisol too. Thanks for the help...

I have a sick silkie chick and I'm hoping someone can help me determine the best treatment. I purchased 6 black silkie's from a small time breeder 3 weeks ago. They were ages 5 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 weeks, and 3 just hatched. The first one died while still with her, and she said in got caught...