I would introduce the chicks together to the new group, let them get settled, and then cull the scissor beaked one (you can use scissors to cut the head off or have someone else do it). Others would try to save the scissor beaked one by correcting it, but I have never been successful with this...
Sometimes a momma hen will be aggressive enough to protect her chicks, but other times there are birds in the flock that are too aggressive and she will not be able to protect them. It really depends on your flock dynamics. If some of the chicks have already been exposed to the flock and the...
When you're mentioning weights, are you talking about live weight or carcass weight? We use the chart from Meyer:
But as with all things chicken, your-mileage-may-vary. We have different batches at different weights all the time. Right now I have birds at 6 weeks that are barely 2lbs, but...
That feed is pretty high protein at 4 weeks, usually by 3 weeks it's recommended to switch them onto 18% protein. That could be one of the reasons you're having faster gains. Sometimes we mix a little 14-16% hog mash (powder) in with a 20-21% feed to get a lower protein. The same can be done...
Are they full sized hens you are talking about? If so, the minimum is 4 sq ft each, but the ideal is 10 sq ft each. We have kept docile hens in tractors with 8 sq ft each and they have been very happy. Anything smaller than that and even the sweetest of hens can get aggressive with each other...
Are they pullets or cockerels? What are you feeding them?
I would stick with 8 weeks for convenience's sake. You probably won't get more than 6lbs of bird at 8 weeks regardless of other factors.
Usually, when pasture raising and free ranging, we have to let them go 10+ weeks to have 5-6lb...
We've had similar problems. I've actually had a few times where the hens were so stressed out being in confinement, especially with the roosters but without them as well, that they would just quit laying. So much for breeding! So I'm curious as to how others have dealt with this situation.
You can put a regular 60 watt bulb over them and watch their behavior to see if they like the temp. I've always kept my ducklings a little cooler than the chicks, but if you do let them swim they need more heat to dry off in.
Shredded newspaper in a rubber tote is great for only a few ducks! We used to give the ducks a big glass or ceramic pan that they can swim in and drink out of. You have to clean it out a few times a day but the ducks are always happy. For a feeder just use a shallow dish. There is a lot of mess...
I had this happen with multiple hatches, turned out my temperature was creeping up when I wasn't looking to 101 or 102, then coming back down. Obviously my incubator doesn't work too well. I've found that it has gotten worse over time, as I used to have okay hatches but with each subsequent...
It's a shame that there will probably be no imports of standard Silkies into the US... somehow already having the bantam here makes it highly unlikely. I know there were a few threads with people trying to breed their own standard sized Silkies out of bantams, but they don't seem to get very far.
We pluck all our birds by hand. After doing hundreds of birds, you get to be almost as fast as the plucking machines. The Silkie feathers are just the same to pluck once they've been scalded.
The two birds above are crosses, hence the "blue" skin instead of black. I'll have to find a good...
We are so grateful for our Silkie flock as they provide us with everything a chicken can provide! Fluffy pets, broody mommas to grow the flock, beautiful small eggs, and delicious meat for the table.
If anyone has photos of their Silkie or Silkie cross meat birds, post them! I love explaining...
I posted some photos of them a while back--they were anonymous ebay hatching eggs, apparently from DHs line. They turned out to be fairly nice birds. I'm hopefully getting some eggs from a good source this spring.
Here are some updated photos. I haven't got my toe punching in order, so they...
I'd say you're right on with that one.
Thank you so much for looking at them. Guess the whole lot is headed for the mutt layers as they are turning out to be good backyard birds.
I've had some very bad luck and some decent luck with hatching eggs, but you're right that it's hard to find...