250 Chicks

[Dennis A]

Hey Barry,
Just FYI. I went with 140 early and had heat lamps on them. I did not take into account them doubling in size and needing twice as much heated space in less than two weeks. Lost a few that piled up to stay under the lamps. Doubled the lamps an no more problems.
Just for what it's worth.
Dennis

 

[RockyPhoenix]

also lowering the heat lamps...if possible...keeps them more spread out...but not so much that they are completely avoiding the heat lamps.....

 

[barrybro]

This is my third batch. First one was 10, the next 30, now 250 so thanks for the input. I am hoping to be raising the heat lamps significantly at 2 weeks. If the weather cooperates I hope to get them outside at 19 days. I will wait longer if the nightime temps are low.

Barry

 

[ghulst]

What hatchery did you use?

 

[barrybro]

Townline Hatchery in Zeeland, MI

 

[Overeasyplz]

Wow, barrybro, that is sure a lot of chicks!! i got 12. They are my first meaties, but I feel confident about raising them as I have lurked all over this meatie forum lol. Mom raised them once and did everything wrong, I remember heavy losses and her anger over these "big stupid eating machines w/leg problems".. I am sure I will not have a problem with them. I am building a simple tractor for them to go out in as soon as they are big enough. good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Kim_NC]

Wonderful pic with your little boy. The chicks look good too. 250...holy smoke...we currently do 100 at a time. First batch coming in this week.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[jaku]

How are they doing? How many have you lost? I also use Townline, and I'm having a rough season.

 

[barrybro]

So far I have lost 3 - I believe all to bad management.

I think I broke the leg of one while putting it in the brooder, it lasted a day hobbling around.

I let the cat in the barn and a chick had its head through the chicken wire. I ended up with a headless chicken and a cat that is on probation.

I lost a third last night, it was directly under a heat lamp, so I am assuming it was crushed as they were trying to stay warm.

The first two were for sure my fault. The third I am not sure but I will take the blame. All the other chicks appear to be doing well. I will keep track of my losses and updat.

Thanks

Barry

 

[jaku]

Quote:
Very nice- I think I must have gotten a bad batch. I've lost 10 of my 80, which is more than I've lost since I've been doing chickens COMBINED.