BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[Arielle]

My girls over 3 years have definitely slowed down based on the heft of them. Best they will make a good stew.

Be sure to report back on how you like each of the meat types-- such a variety, and something for everyones needs.

 

[Fentress]

When a pullet starts to hang out in the nest box, she is obviously thinking about laying, but how closely does this actually correspond with laying an egg? I have some BR, that are slow to mature, so I want to track POL with a reasonable degree of accuracy. It probably varies depending on the individual, some might hang out for days, I don't know. I would probably wait until about half of the pullets are in the boxes and mark my time at that point. Not very scientific, but maybe good enough. Thanks.

 

[BCMaraniac]

When a pullet starts to hang out in the nest box, she is obviously thinking about laying, but how closely does this actually correspond with laying an egg? I have some BR, that are slow to mature, so I want to track POL with a reasonable degree of accuracy. It probably varies depending on the individual, some might hang out for days, I don't know. I would probably wait until about half of the pullets are in the boxes and mark my time at that point. Not very scientific, but maybe good enough. Thanks.

My experience has been that within a week or so they start laying.

 

[Turk Raphael]

My shipment of 15 Cornish X's and 10 Pioneer's came in this morning from McMurray. The free chick appears to be a top hat breed. I now have 5 different stages of birds. The CX's, my new hampshire chicks at 3 weeks old, male sex link that need to be processed soon, my rainbow layer assortment at 15 weeks old, and my RIR's which are still laying strong at a year and a half.

My hat is off to you. I don't know how anyone manages so many different stages of birds, all requiring their own pens and likely feed mixtures.

 

[southernmomma]

Quote:

Wow, agreed! How do you have housing set up? I'm curious to hear/see what the management is like with multiple breeds. Although perhaps you're keeping the X and Pioneer together?
The number of pens for raising, growing out, breeders, etc always kinda blows my mind but even more so when it's spread across more than one breed.

M

 

[gjensen]

When a pullet starts to hang out in the nest box, she is obviously thinking about laying, but how closely does this actually correspond with laying an egg? I have some BR, that are slow to mature, so I want to track POL with a reasonable degree of accuracy. It probably varies depending on the individual, some might hang out for days, I don't know. I would probably wait until about half of the pullets are in the boxes and mark my time at that point. Not very scientific, but maybe good enough. Thanks.

Judge them by the eggs instead of acting like it. Also look at the combs etc. If you keep watching them (and the eggs), you will have a good idea. Sometimes they will flirt with the idea for some time.

How old are they now?

 

[Turk Raphael]

I received an un-nerving call from my brother this morning, wanting to give me the 85 odd chicks that we saw over the weekend. He tells me he is covered up and wants some relief before dad gets home. He is willing to throw in the female pup that I had originally wanted but will not take back the male. On top of that, he is willing to bring the birds in the 4'X12'X2' brooder, including top. He has a 3'4 ton diesel with a topper that can be air conditioned...whats more...he's offering 800 pounds of Purina Chick Starter as added incentive.

I'm not sure I haven't dreamed this because I'm extremely sleep deprived. I will talk to my partner this evening to get his input. I do know he loved those little chicks..Oh...one more incentive...he's willing to throw in enough 4 foot Premier electric poultry netting to increase our chick-fenced area to 9 acres...up from 3. It is used but only for one season and is said to be like new and with many extra support poles.

This would demolish the ONE Breed At a Time Policy All to Hell!!!!

The bad part is ...he wants to deliver them to our farm over this coming week end. Thank God, there are no baby goats available now or I'm certain they would be crammed into the truck as well. One part of me is thrilled and another part is screaming 'Absolutely NOT'. That is just about what I expect to hear from Raphael and all the friends I have who will hear of it.

This pressure is actually burning me...I'm sweating with the thermostat on 70 and this old cinder block building covered with a brick facade is really well insulated. I'm just feeling pressure because I really liked al the birds. Don't know if the RIRs are included since they were being held for a friend. I suppose it won't matter...there are only 25 pullets...in for a penny...in for a pound.

. Any help or advice?

 

[Arielle]

THis one is up to you . . . . I can only ask if this was 3 years into the future would you have wanted this addition?? ANd the retoracle question do you have the time, financies and the facilites to manage more? Just trying t o be a voice of reason. No wrong answer-- just one that is better than the other. Get some sleep and a good meal before making a final decision. good lcuk.

 

[Turk Raphael]

THis one is up to you . . . . I can only ask if this was 3 years into the future would you have wanted this addition?? ANd the retoracle question do you have the time, financies and the facilites to manage more? Just trying t o be a voice of reason. No wrong answer-- just one that is better than the other. Get some sleep and a good meal before making a final decision. good lcuk.

You are right. I am just asking for thoughts on the situation and I thank you for the input. I talked to my partner and surprisingly, he's pulled both ways as well. It's the speed and urgency that creates the problem. We do have sufficient funds and space. We had considered getting dedicated egg layers before the decision to exhibit Buckeyes.

Time...We can make the time if we want to do it. The Dark Cornish will be processed soon enough and I wanted that big female pup in the worst way but that too will create a problem. One or both of the pups will have to be altered unless we are willing to put up an isolation kennel for her cursed times.

Sorry, but I have to find some humor in this or I will have to take a high-dose Lorazepam.

We have a high-heat steam cleaner to sanitize a place to put them in isolation. Grandpa was a a thinking man, he put drains in several parts of the barn, even in the pig building (I guess especially there).

Sorry for rambling...it helps me think. I have two whole days to think about it while I pull minimum 12 hour shifts. The decision was left up to me.

Thanks again for giving me this opening to bounce stuff off you and for others who might chime in over the next 48 hours. I suppose if they became a problem, I could advertise them in the Journal and sell the things.....except the dogs, brooder or fencing.

Will have to get that clarified with J.L.

Turk

 

[bmvf]

Quote:

Wow, agreed! How do you have housing set up? I'm curious to hear/see what the management is like with multiple breeds. Although perhaps you're keeping the X and Pioneer together?
The number of pens for raising, growing out, breeders, etc always kinda blows my mind but even more so when it's spread across more than one breed.

M

It helps me greatly that my wife does the feeding. My daughter helps collect eggs and my son is always eager to help round up any loose birds!

The rainbow layers are in a PVC chicken tractor which I built a couple of weeks ago. I want to build a better one that for the NH's. After only 2 days the CX's and Pioneers are stinking up the house. I changed newspaper yesterday but that didn't help much. Also, the laundry room where they are being kept is getting some remodeling done which is a spur of the moment thing. I would eventually like to put the meat birds in another tractor but we'll see how much I can get done. I'm kinda wishing I never got those hatchery rainbow layers.....I just don't need them.