Such wonderful information! I am so glad I asked this question here!!! I have a plan...
To respond to some of the questions-
I have several ages. A friend has a small flock and I can have eggs whenever I like. She does not have enough for me to do one big hatch, but I am setting 7-14 at a time. I have some about 3 weeks and some a bit over 1 week and 3 more runs in the incubator. The ones 3 weeks are outside in a brooder and I plan to put them on the ground today. I do have pasture for them as well as electric poultry netting. All of this is not set up yet, so these first ones may be the group I keep as future egg producers. My friend has been very impressed at the egg production and I read they produce up to 250 eggs/year. They are large cream color eggs.
It sounds like I am right on with free feeding high protein starter until they get on the ground. Fermenting it sounds optimal since 1. increases ability to use protein 2. Will probably help them with coccidia strains here when they do get outside 3. it will decrease waste. I can get raw milk, so the next hurtle is to find kefir grains to ferment it. The above article suggests starting that at 35 days.
From the above @Glenda Heywoodo article, it sounds as if they need to move and forage, yet have plenty to eat. I like the @lazy gardener suggestion to let them range during the day, but feed them well before bed. Ideally we will be able to move their coop daily and they will have fresh grass in the mornings to eat. Just have to get DH on board.
Unlike Cornish Crosses, it is my understanding this breed is able to move and procreate normally until they are ready to be processed. If these little heifers continue as they are, they are quite docile and easy to handle. The chicks lay down to eat. Having always had light bodied layers WHO FLY, this is a new experience. They remind me of livestock guardian dogs when they are pups, eating like every meal is their last.
To respond to some of the questions-
I have several ages. A friend has a small flock and I can have eggs whenever I like. She does not have enough for me to do one big hatch, but I am setting 7-14 at a time. I have some about 3 weeks and some a bit over 1 week and 3 more runs in the incubator. The ones 3 weeks are outside in a brooder and I plan to put them on the ground today. I do have pasture for them as well as electric poultry netting. All of this is not set up yet, so these first ones may be the group I keep as future egg producers. My friend has been very impressed at the egg production and I read they produce up to 250 eggs/year. They are large cream color eggs.
It sounds like I am right on with free feeding high protein starter until they get on the ground. Fermenting it sounds optimal since 1. increases ability to use protein 2. Will probably help them with coccidia strains here when they do get outside 3. it will decrease waste. I can get raw milk, so the next hurtle is to find kefir grains to ferment it. The above article suggests starting that at 35 days.
From the above @Glenda Heywoodo article, it sounds as if they need to move and forage, yet have plenty to eat. I like the @lazy gardener suggestion to let them range during the day, but feed them well before bed. Ideally we will be able to move their coop daily and they will have fresh grass in the mornings to eat. Just have to get DH on board.
Unlike Cornish Crosses, it is my understanding this breed is able to move and procreate normally until they are ready to be processed. If these little heifers continue as they are, they are quite docile and easy to handle. The chicks lay down to eat. Having always had light bodied layers WHO FLY, this is a new experience. They remind me of livestock guardian dogs when they are pups, eating like every meal is their last.
O NOT USE METAL CONTAINERS.
