Are these Layers or Meat?

[WishboneDawn]

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That was their best feature.

I was very fond of mine at the end. They were fearless around us and very sweet-tempered. Would've made great pets if they weren't so yummy!

 

[katchley7595]

ok if i have a "meat bird" will it live or do i have to kill it? i have a pair,fred n ethel he has to wiegh at least 25 lbs they are about 4 months now and i dont want to kill them ,she has started laying,double yolks if i have a broody wil they hatch,will it have 2 chicks or 1 hugh one? my daughter has a pair also they are bigger than mine but she kept them up more than i did,they have wie stance and waddle side to side when they run and have hugh legs and feet . thanks

 

[WishboneDawn]

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As long as they're healthy there's no need to kill them. There's no rule. People kill them around 8 weeks just because that's the most cost effective period in term of feed to growth. Otherwise, they're chickens. Treat them as such and trust your own feelings on the matter.

 

[SteveH]

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A very, very low percentage of double yolkers hatch successfully, and the rare that do have usually had to be helped from the shell. Never hurts to try though. If Fred is nearly as large you think, he probably can't get Ethel fertile, but if you have another amorous roo around she may very possibly be laying fertile eggs.

 

[EmAbTo48]

I wish I could keep some of mine! They always follow me every where unlike my layers!

More then likely you won't be able to ration there food enough for them to breed. And they usually will die with an a year of life due to heart failure, and other problems because of there size

But if your attached keep them, I am sure you'll know when its to much for them and its time to go! But I will tell you past 12 weeks there meat gets very very tough and not good!

 

[nes]

It was worms.

Apparently it's been a REALLY bad year for round worms here, and that is why mine haven't gained any weight.

I have been poking around in their poop and have yet to see any but I gave them all D.E. (feedstore out of wormer, it's coming soon!) and they already look better.

At least we learned our lesson! I guess that's just part of raising meat birds for the first time!

I have to agree with them being much more friendly then the layers though (I think we've handled the meat birds more then the layers though, they aren't laying yet & have little reason to pick them up); and it's quite funny having them follow you all over the yard! Sounds like rain

.

Actually I've been having to move very quick lately or they'll come right into the house!

I hope the meat doesn't get tough but if it does we'll be having a whole lot of chicken soup in a few weeks!

 

[katchley7595]

thank you i had to seperate fred and ethel he was killing her trying to mount he has a gash on her side already but its looking better