Avoiding Flip

[lsv313]

I just lost two meaties to flip today (at least that's what I'm guessing - found lying on their backs). They are 7.5 weeks old. Two nice looking roos - wasted.

I've fed them 12 on 12 off since they were a few days old, and they have complete free range in my yard. Is there anything I could have done to prevent it? Is there anything I can do to stop it from happening to any more of them?

 

[twister]

I experienced my first flip this week and asked the same question... the response was no... there is nothing you can do to prevent it... sounds like you are doing all you can w. 12on/12 off...

 

[twister]

sorry for your loss.

 

[terri9630]

Quote:
If you see one acting lethargic don't wait. I'd rather butcher it than wait and hope it recoveres and find it dead later. We've had to do 4 this year that were found that way.

 

[chick_magnet]

what does flip means? Im new and i am currently raising 12 CX

 

[terri9630]

Its basically when a chicken dies for no reason. Usually you will them on layed out on their backs.

 

[jemmasgrandma]

Quote:
aw geesh... so sorry

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Very rarely is it for no reason.... most die from heart attacks.

 

[bigredfeather]

Quote:
If I could expand upon this a little w/ my 2 cents worth. "For no reason" is why this breed gets such a bad rap. Like Jeff said, there is a reason. One possibility, too much protein, which makes their bodies grow faster than their organs can keep up with, causing CHF, aka heart attack. Another possibilty, not enough vitamins/minerals. If their bodies don't have enough, their organs don't have the necesary building blocks needed to build strong organs to support their quickly growing bodies. If you combine these to things in a type of feed (too much protein/not enough vitamins), you are asking for problems. Over the past few years have have raised almost a 1000 CX and only lost 2 of them to flipping. I do limit the amount of feed they get, but don't necessarily limit it to 12/12. That being said, I feed a 23% protein ration that is very complete. One thing I think help is I have kelp added, which is a great source of trace minerals and vitamins.

It drives me crazy when I see allegations of these birds flipping for no reason. If given the proper nutrition, one should have no problems with this breed. Now I'm sure some people are unknowingly feeding them feed they think is complete, but in reality, it is missing something if you are losing birds.

 

[Lesalynn]

bigredfeather----how do you add the kelp? Also, what does '12/12' mean?