BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[ocap]

Yes, they are certainly sleepy after dark. I could just take each bird into the nearby garage to weigh on a table there. Now where I can I find one of these postal scales? An office supply store?

Appreciating the tips folks!

I think it will come down to what hubby is willing to pay for a scale.

I bought mine ($20) about a month ago at amazon. Make sure they have a "Tare" ability. The tare weight is the weight of the small dog crate that I am going to put the chicken in to hold it on the scale. put the crate on the scale then push tare and the scale returns to zero, when the crate is removed for loading the bird the scale reads negative until the loaded crate is returned to the flat plate.
mine has a capacity of 75 pounds (about 32 kilos I think).

 

[Shellz]

I've got one of those small Wal-Mart scales. I just can't see putting this monster rooster on it. The top is only 7" square. I think what I need is either the bag method & fish/game scale or a larger version of the one I have.

ocap...how big is the weighing surface on yours?

 

[ocap]

I've got one of those small Wal-Mart scales. I just can't see putting this monster rooster on it. The top is only 7" square. I think what I need is either the bag method & fish/game scale or a larger version of the one I have.




ocap...how big is the weighing surface on yours?

about 6 inches by 8 inches. I will need to use my toy poodle crate. 75 pounds is the important part, I don't want to break the scale.

 

[Shellz]

Something else I've been pondering...does anyone here feel it's important to have special feed for breeders at this time of year? I ask because our feed store only carries the basic formulas. I'd like to give my breeders an edge if it's possible, without too much cost. Perhaps there is a vitamin supplement worth looking into? I was looking into probiotics & found this on a Canadian Poultry Consultant site:


"The available nutrients in the GIT (gastrointestinal tract) cause the dormant spores to become metabolically active and thus germinate. It is important to note that not all Bacillus species are safe for probiotic usage as some produce toxic compounds and exploit the gut much like a pathogen; always be conscious of strain or variety."

 

[Shellz]

about 6 inches by 8 inches. I will need to use my toy poodle crate. 75 pounds is the important part, I don't want to break the scale.

Thanks ocap! Yeah, definitely don't want to break the scale. That's a good weight limit on that one. A large moving box set on top & tared, then just have to put him in. I'll check out Amazon site.

 

[Beer can]

If you do get a fish scale, don't get the 50+lb one, not accurate at low weights at all, good for coyotes. The 25lb is close digital ones are the best, I used one to weigh ground venison for sausage and bologna in a plastic grocery bag, until I got a small tareable digital kitchen one from Aldi's. I don't think that would work, only eleven pounds, but very accurate. Maybe you can find one of them produce scales like what they have in grocery stores with the hanging tray. Or a old baby scale?

 

[jbkirk]

neopolitancrazy, Our Roost here again!
I couldnt touch your farm life upbringing with a ten foot pole. I was raised in the urban communities and only frequented farms and the north woods for hunting and fishing and pleasure. Truly not challenging your knowledge here but only commented on the information you provided.
I now understand more of what you are experiencing. Do you find that raising newly hatched chicks together bonds them? I have different cliques of birds that always hang together From dawn to dusk. They were born and raised together and its kind of like a brother sister relationship? Every time I introduce new birds into the coop and flock, they find their own little space or niche to avoid mingling with the rest of the crowd. I find that if they are the same breed there is more harmony except for the pecking order. I can look at the roost at night and see each group that were raised together mostly huddled together. Not always, but mostly. Not all breeds bond together well I am finding.
I have already been well versed on soil health and chicken maladies. Mostly because I experienced them at some point and needed to find out why! Thanks for offering.
Neopolitan is undoubtedly a favorite ice cream of mine! I love stirring all 3 flavors together before eating it. I know, its crazy! I dont want to hear about your weather anymore! Iam praying for spring right now and freezing my toosh off!

Whos weather our weather or their weather. Our weather is all nice we just got a cloud cover this morning that made it warm up...

 

[LindaB220]

Quote:
Sorry, I couldn't help it. North Louisiana has snow!!!!! Up to 4" or so and the first good snow that's actually sticking in 5-6 years. I'd go out and do a snow angel but I couldn't get back up. Ha!! Chickens are fine. I've got 6 Sebrights and a blue egg layer and 2 brown somethings in lockdown.

 

[Shellz]

If you do get a fish scale, don't get the 50+lb one, not accurate at low weights at all, good for coyotes. The 25lb is close digital ones are the best, I used one to weigh ground venison for sausage and bologna in a plastic grocery bag, until I got a small tareable digital kitchen one from Aldi's. I don't think that would work, only eleven pounds, but very accurate. Maybe you can find one of them produce scales like what they have in grocery stores with the hanging tray. Or a old baby scale?

Thanks for that tip! Yeah, I was thinking of accuracy at low weights too on those heavier duty scales. I've gots lots of time yet to consider my options, so I definitely won't be making any hasty decisions.

 

[Shellz]

Quote:
Sorry, I couldn't help it. North Louisiana has snow!!!!! Up to 4" or so and the first good snow that's actually sticking in 5-6 years. I'd go out and do a snow angel but I couldn't get back up. Ha!! Chickens are fine. I've got 6 Sebrights and a blue egg layer and 2 brown somethings in lockdown.

Don't get me started on our weather!

I believe Our Roost, Beer Can & I, all share similar weather patterns. I think a move down south when hubby retires, is in order! Got a shovel Linda? I suspect it will all melt soon enough.

Glad your birds are fine & good luck with your hatch!