Chicken Breed Focus - Maline

[JayColli]

Was reading an article on Malines from Belgium and it recommended rationing their feed to 100-150g per day. I've heard they are absolute hogs so I can see that possibly being necessary. Can anyone comment?

 

[Sophocles]

Was reading an article on Malines from Belgium and it recommended rationing their feed to 100-150g per day. I've heard they are absolute hogs so I can see that possibly being necessary. Can anyone comment?

I think I know what article you're talking about because I've read it myself a few years back, haha.

I asked someone who breeds Malines about it and he told me many meat races are:
A) More likely to overeat because they often don't experience fullness as much
B) More susceptible to problems with overweight because of their large size (think Leg problems, cardiovascular disease, etc)

I didn't ask about his personal experience but he seemed to think Malines were particularily susceptible to that because of their huge size.
Not sure how accurate the 100-150 estimate or how strict you'd have to be about it but not giving them unlimited access to food seems like a good idea. Of course you need to take precaution that they don't get too bored then, and that they all get a chance to eat - consider feeding them the ration over 2-3 times in a day and make sure there's room enough at the feeders for everybody.

I love Malines, they're very sweet and not too demanding. If/when I get a new flock, it's going to be Malines.

 

[Our Roost]

Whomever said these birds are absolute hogs is so wrong. If any thing, I find they are not finicky eaters. I have never had any fight over food at the feeders. A normal commercial blend16% protein feed ratio works well. I supplement scratch grain and greens as a treat only and it keeps them well from being bored. They are slow growers so they don't over sate themselves like Cornish x do.

 

[cracrzy4chicks]

I think I know what article you're talking about because I've read it myself a few years back, haha. 
I asked someone who breeds Malines about it and he told me many meat races are:
A) More likely to overeat because they often don't experience fullness as much
B) More susceptible to problems with overweight because of their large size (think Leg problems, cardiovascular disease, etc)

I didn't ask about his personal experience but he seemed to think Malines were particularily susceptible to that because of their huge size.
Not sure how accurate the 100-150 estimate or how strict you'd have to be about it but not giving them unlimited access to food seems like a good idea. Of course you need to take precaution that they don't get too bored then, and that they all get a chance to eat - consider feeding them the ration over 2-3 times in a day and make sure there's room enough at the feeders for everybody.

I love Malines, they're very sweet and not too demanding. If/when I get a new flock, it's going to be Malines. 

I have a pair of Malines. Mine are not hogs. They eat what I consider a normal amount of food. They are very docile and laid back. They run from my bantam Cochins , that are less than a quarter of their size !!!

 

[JayColli]

Good info folks, thanks! I'm going to ration feed at some point but that likely won't start until 8 weeks and I suspect I'll only ration feed for the breeders whereas I'll give the meat bird cockerels whatever they'll finish in 30 minutes or so twice a day.

 

[karma2011]

Can someone please tell me if this is a Belgium CouCou Maline? He usually has feathers on his feet but my hens have ripped them all out. He was gifted to me and his previous owner didn't know what he was.

 

[StephWind]

Can someone please tell me if this is a Belgium CouCou Maline? He usually has feathers on his feet but my hens have ripped them all out. He was gifted to me and his previous owner didn't know what he was.

Where are you located? He looks like he MIGHT be, but his body style actually looks quite different from my birds...

 

[karma2011]

Where are you located? He looks like he MIGHT be, but his body style actually looks quite different from my birds...

I live an hour outside of Edmonton, Alberta.

 

[StephWind]

Well, in Canada I would expect to see a pure Malines looking far closer to the "standard " with a lower set tail, and a wider body. That said, he certainly could be a Malines!

 

[karma2011]

Well, in Canada I would expect to see a pure Malines looking far closer to the "standard  " with a lower set tail, and a wider body. That said, he certainly could be a Malines!

Thank you!