Chickens for 10-20 years or more? Pull up a rockin' chair and lay some wisdom on us!

[caj1985]

I have an Araucana chicked that hatched with curled feet. I am new to this but know I don't want any bad genetics in my flock. What is the best method to cull a couple day old chick?

Thanks for all the good info. I am going to get some Calf Manna.

 

[featherz]

I'm not an OT, but reading this 'barebacked' topic with interest. I was thinking a few days ago that it HAS to be feather quality and/or too few hens per rooster (for other people), not necessarily a 'mean' rooster. So thanks for reinforcing that for me.

My roo is about as polite as a roo can get, dances for the ladies, asks permission to hop on, etc. Occasionally he'll get randy and chase one around, but I'd never say he's 'mean'. He has over 20 ladies to call his own and out of those 20, I have three barebacked hens - all the same type (speckled sussex). They aren't directly from any hatchery, but I don't know much about the parent stock as I hatched them here so they could be second generation hatchery birds. They are all on starter/grower due to mixed ages in the coop + whole grain oats and BOSS (+ free range). Haven't tried calf manna - will have to look into that. I think those three will be part of the 'fall relocation' plan as I am pretty sure it's not my roo.

One of the poultry scientists I was listening to lately was saying that too much BOSS/whole oats seemed to be a large problem with crop impaction. I take it this has not been a problem with any of you? I actually have to provide grit as my property is almost devoid of any type of rocks or gravel.

 

[al6517]

One of the poultry scientists I was listening to lately was saying that too much BOSS/whole oats seemed to be a large problem with crop impaction. I take it this has not been a problem with any of you? I actually have to provide grit as my property is almost devoid of any type of rocks or gravel.

I think most will find crop impaction by feeding their birds Boss at too early of an age, or by buying to big a seed. Once again how many post have you seen where folks ask how soon can they begin to feed treats to their chicks.............. chicks mind you............ they shouldn't recieve anything but starter feed for many months, without treats. Something that cannot be helped.

On the other hand some birds will just bind up regardless, and crop impaction is a candidate for Walts axe at the first sign. Walt does perform crop impaction surgery, as I do............... with an axe LOL.

 

[featherz]

I think most will find crop impaction by feeding their birds Boss at too early of an age, or by buying to big a seed. Once again how many post have you seen where folks ask how soon can they begin to feed treats to their chicks.............. chicks mind you............ they shouldn't recieve anything but starter feed for many months, without treats. Something that cannot be helped.

On the other hand some birds will just bind up regardless, and crop impaction is a candidate for Walts axe at the first sign. Walt does perform crop impaction surgery, as I do............... with an axe LOL.

Yah, I don't feed babies anything but chick feed - that said when I was free ranging my broodies they'd feed chicks all sorts of stuff I'd normally think they shouldn't eat. All grew up ok. In my current coop if I DO throw out a handful of seeds to get them back in the coop the big ladies will stomp all over the youngers - they won't get much if any of the 'treats' unless I intend them to.

So far I have never had a crop impacted bird, but I assume it will happen at some point. I'd probably do the surgery just because I'm a nurse and like doing that kind of stuff out of curiosity.

 

[bruceh]

okay hear it goes. i am going to splurge on some heritage breed birds. i am going to mix them with my productive layers of hatchery stock. so i will take all recommendations. here is my situation. my climate is hot and cold. egg color not important temperment is. must do well in a mixed flock. my set up is coop ( old shed) and pasture. dual purpose is okay but i am into egg production. i do meat birds as well. however i use the dreded cornish x for that. roosters for me are and issue. i would however like to learn to caponize. bad subject for sure.. i now have the drive to step up in class. i will p.m those those for feeding and caring for heritage bred birds.unless you want to go over that agian
thanks,
bruce

if you choose not to post due to arguments sake p.m. me. student willing to learn

 

[al6517]

okay hear it goes. i am going to splurge on some heritage breed birds. i am going to mix them with my productive layers of hatchery stock. so i will take all recommendations. here is my situation. my climate is hot and cold. egg color not important temperment is. must do well in a mixed flock. my set up is coop ( old shed) and pasture. dual purpose is okay but i am into egg production. i do meat birds as well. however i use the dreded cornish x for that. roosters for me are and issue. i would however like to learn to caponize. bad subject for sure.. i now have the drive to step up in class. i will p.m those those for feeding and caring for heritage bred birds.unless you want to go over that agian
thanks,
bruce

if you choose not to post due to arguments sake p.m. me. student willing to learn

Why do you say the dreded Cornish X and caponizing are a sore subject ??. moving to heritage birds need to be your choice, and a well thought out one, please don't feel presured to do so.

 

[thedragonlady]

Your the only other person on this entire forum that I have heard besides myself who uses Calf manna as a feed suppliment. I have recommended it many times but never actually heard if they have used it. I use it often especialy during breeding & hatching season, I absolutely swear by that stuff it is the best supplement you could give quality bred bird for so many different things. I however just do a slight top dress of it because they only call for a small handfull per bird per day.

This old gal can cook too! I've fed all my horses, Nubians, pigs ,Suffolks,Belted Galloways,dogs, and chickens CM for ever. Great stuff used in moderation...a good thing, as it isn't cheap.2 young cottontails sneak in and steal it too from the covered runs during the day when the gates are open. Those are some slick bunnies!

 

[al6517]

LOl the first time I bought a bag of it years ago, I opened it and smelled it..................... i said to my DW Man that smells good enough for me to eat LOL. Talk about feed candy. I like reading the label............. about 2 bazillion vitamins and minerals in it, with good amounts too. I like the color too.

 

[fowlman01]

okay hear it goes. i am going to splurge on some heritage breed birds. i am going to mix them with my productive layers of hatchery stock. so i will take all recommendations. here is my situation. my climate is hot and cold. egg color not important temperment is. must do well in a mixed flock. my set up is coop ( old shed) and pasture. dual purpose is okay but i am into egg production. i do meat birds as well. however i use the dreded cornish x for that. roosters for me are and issue. i would however like to learn to caponize. bad subject for sure.. i now have the drive to step up in class. i will p.m those those for feeding and caring for heritage bred birds.unless you want to go over that agian
thanks,
bruce

if you choose not to post due to arguments sake p.m. me. student willing to learn

My suggestion is to wait until you know all about the breed you want to get. Some birds are just not beginners birds. don't take that in a negative way I am just trying to save you some money and mostly time. As an example: Cornish like Al raises are not what I would recommend to a beginner unless they are CornishX's. Al may have another take on that...I don't know. That has just been my experience.

Heritage and heirloom can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. As an example the APA does not designate any breeds as "heritage" yet. They are studying the situation. .and have been for about 5 years.

Just take the time to learn everything you can before you buy some birds.

Walt

 

[al6517]

True on all fronts Walt and sound advice................... I agree also on being wary of picking breeds that are extremely challenging to raise, like the pure Cornish for example. take your time talk to some folks you know and trust for their advice and give it to you straight. then make your choice and go from there. It's the prudent way to go here and you will feel better in the long run.

Walt as usaul is the voice of reason.