125 Freedom Rangers start to finish March 2012

[loanwizard]

Ahhh.... Same answer as from the other thread applies lol!

Welcome!

 

[Keepee]

This was really interesting! I am starting with 25 meat birds myself (black broilers) and I'm even more excited now!!

 

[speedy2782]

Update?

 

[loanwizard]

Holy Cow! I thought this was a dead thread for sure! Update on what? Seriously, what questions do you have cause I had forgotten all about this lol!

 

[loanwizard]

Alrighty then, I just went back over it and I guess I will just give an overview of last year.

I raised around 500 Freedom Rangers last year.

Step 1. When getting chicks, you don't need to stick their beaks in the feed or show them a nipple. They will find it.
2. 1 heat lamp is sufficient for up to 150 birds in a trailer even when it dips into the 30's at night. I will order in Feb. this year.
3. ACV is a must in the first set of water. Prevents pasty butt.
4. make sure they are feathered out before transfer. Summertime 3-4 weeks is fine, early spring 5 weeks.
5. Always make sure they have adequate shade and water. Heat will kill them. 95 degrees, water and my hoop shelter, they were golden.
6. When transferring to processor, make sure there is adequate space, or individual cages for 8-10 at a time. They will suffocate each other very very quickly.
7. Tip to myself. Quit feeding at separate times and full feed them. Had a little trouble bringing them to weight even after 12 weeks and I think feed and water were the issues.

 

[ocap]

http://avianaquamiser.com/posts/Revised_chicken_tractor_wheel_lift/

 

[speedy2782]

what was your final # of feed/bird average?

 

[maryhysong]

I noticed dry feed in your pics, have you tried the fermented feed?

 

[loanwizard]

what was your final # of feed/bird average?

Unfortunately I don't really track those things like I should. I am a used car dealer, a landlord, an apprentice auctioneer, have 6 kids..... farming is a hobby that pays.... maybe. I buy feed by the ton, which feeds my layers, my meaties, and my hogs. Yup, same feed for all. All also supplement feed by foraging. So..... I go by a ton of feed to finish 100 birds. I have done as many as 150 birds on a ton, but the weights weren't where I wanted them to be, which to overstate the obvious, is my own fault. If I do a bunch of meaties this year.... my buyer is having second thoughts as to if he wants to do them, I plan to keep more feed available on a daily basis. It should be 11 weeks, 1 ton, and an average of a 5lb dressed bird.

 

[loanwizard]

I noticed dry feed in your pics, have you tried the fermented feed?

Nope, and unless I see clear and convincing evidence that I would use 1/2 to 3/4 the amount of feed, I don't plan to unless I get a wacky thought some weekend. It takes extra effort to set it up on a continuing basis, and I am not sure it is worth the effort.