Ever get a batch of runts?

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WIchickens

WIchickens

Chirping
7 Years
Aug 12, 2012
112
1
82
Not having the best of luck with my current batch of freedom rangers. They are 7 weeks and look about 3weeks. On a 21% protein diet and in a chicken tractor that is moved daily. I have lost almost 10 of then, no rhyme or reason. Currently treating for cocci as I have nothing to lose at this point. People have said I got a bad batch.

So what do I do? Keep feeding them as see what they do? Butcher date is nov 8, there is no way they will be ready. After that date it will be too cold outside for them too and I'd have to park their tractor in the barn.

What gas been your experience and what did you do?
 
You hatched them yourself. What day did they hatch on? Sometimes runt-like chicks can indicate that the parents had a bad diet, or had some disease problems. Also they may be small because you hatched pullet eggs. Also, for meat birds, I usually feed 24% protein. Just a thought. Hope they start growing soon! :)
 
I did not hatch these out myself. I got them as day old the first week of August. I mean, some of them still don't have all their feathers. Weird! I am on day 3 treating for cocci and they do seem a little perkier.

Where do you find 24% protein? Best I can do is 21% at the local feed store.
 
Update: Turns out it was cocci. They are treated and ive got 20 left. Some are growing better then others. 2 for sure are stunted...they arent even going to get fully feathered!! Do I just cull these guys or am i giving up too soon? Or am i wasting my time and feed?
 
I had coccidiosis the one and only time I didn't use a medicated starter feed. Lesson learned.

Did you end up growing yours out?
 
I still have them. Most of them are growing now, but we are a good month behind schedule! I wanted them butchered this weekend...not even close. There are a couple in there still really small....i just dont have the heart to kill them when i know we arent going to eat them.
 

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