Search results for query: *

Repost

I think you are fine. 16 weeks is about the max I would process in terms of toughness. It's probably a question of efficiency after 11 wks.

I raised a mixed batch of their Grays, Rainbows and Reds this time last year (around 130 total). The Grays performed the best. They ate lots like your reference to the Freedom Ranger. I think they would have performed better in warmer weather. I processed in batches with the first ones...

Something attacked our small flock of 8 hens around dusk. 3 were dead with the back area eaten out (one found inside the hen house). The others had been attacked and wounded all around the tail and back area???? I think it happened within an hour window of dusk. Any ideas???? Thanks

This is my first experience with turkeys and they will not go into their shelter at night (10x10 building with roost built in). There are 4 BB white and 5 Bourbon Reds and a couple of the BR's will roost in a small tree in their pen and the remainder huddle on the ground nearby. I have tried...

Does a cone work and is everything pretty much the same as a chicken? Thanks,

Usually twist the top and double over and then use a 4" nylon cable tie. Have not experienced any leakage.

If yellowish, most likely ascites.

I have experienced the same issues with CX. If you find they are full of fluid, I believe it might be ascites which appears to be a combination of cardio and respiratory issues. We had a cold damp spring a couple years ago and I lost 40%. From what I read, the trait to develop this is a...

Momma always said chicks were like a box of chocolates..... OK, not that funny. I think the hatcheries are at the mercy of the big guys unless they have their own parent stock. Commenting on an earlier post about hatcheries, there are many good post about Mt. Healthy but I lost almost 40% of...

They will roost when old enough. However, if you intend to process these, there is really no need to provide a roost.

Unless I missed it, was there a FCR stated for the third batch here?

This post was from almost two years ago but thought I would update since the Dixies are now being offered through Mt. Healthy. I believe S&G has dropped Reds and Grays (or mixed everything together as Rainbows). We will raise more this summer as my wife prefers these over the CX- prettier and...

We get $3.50/lb for the colored meat birds. You will have to get at least this much as they take longer to grow out and have a poorer feed conversion rate. The market appears to be those specifically not wanting Cornish X or those looking for fresh pastured chicken deep into the winter. As...

Cornish X can't be beat but are a little more "maintenance intense" than the colored meat birds but grow out quicker with a better feed conversion. I would recommend 25 like everyone else. It sounds like you would be fine butchering but if you are like me, a "trail run" of your plucker and...

Does anyone know of a hatchery in the mid-south for turkeys (3-4 hour drive centered around middle TN)? I would like to try some for the first time but would also like to pick them up from the hatchery- probably a few different heritage breeds totaling no more than 15 turkeys. Any help would...

Hopefully two batches of 100 colored rangers with 100 Cornish X in the middle. However, my work schedule has left my wife to take care of our last batch by herself so "we" may decide to cut back a few.

I appreciate the input. I guess my main question would be if......or when I give in for a heritage breed, will I be disappointed if expecting a good meaty bird? I am not sure what happened to the rest of my thread questions but also wondered: - what % feed to give - how long do they need to...

My wife wants to start a self sustaining flock and I would prefer something for meat only if we get any. Hence, she is wanting heritage and me probably a "one and done" broad breasted variety. Any help would be appreciated and I have a few specific questions. What breed do you prefer? and...

I am planning on raising some turkeys for meat next year for the first time so have a lot of questions for you folks that have some experience if you would please share. What breed do you prefer? and which hatchery do you prefer? How long to grow out to a 12-15 pound dressed bird? At what age...