COD: Unknown

[baptistbirdman]

We're first time chicken farmers, and we had 26 chickens we got from a few days to about 10 days old. The chickens are about 6 weeks old now, although I'm not for sure exactly on that. We just finished making their coop livable and the chickens have been in it now for about 5 days. Yesterday morning we went in and found one of our 4 Cornish cross (re: really fat ones) dead on the floor. No markings on him, no blood, and the rest of the chickens were fine. They were out of water, but only for the night, and it was cold"er" that night, probably got to around 40 maybe. Again though, no other chickens were harmed. Since then, we've turned the heat lamp back on just to be safe, but any ideas? I saved the chicken to use for catfish bait, so if there's anything you could think of to help ID the COD, we'd appreciate it.

 

[CoopCrazy]

He probably just "Flipped" you honestly have to expect some of the Meaties to die its sad but true.. I would guess the poor lil thing had a heart attack...

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Baptist, (I love your screen name!), I had a young pullet die for what seemed to be no reason - so have many of us on here. Lots of things can go mechanically wrong with their inards, that's all I can tell you. But do watch your remaining flock closely... Welcome to BYC!

 

[CoopCrazy]

Quote:
Are you restricting feed on your Cornish X also.. At 6 weeks they should be restricted to 12 hours with food and 12 hours without.. Cornish X are a fast growing meat bird.. Also Cornish X should be processed at 6-8 weeks after that they can start to break their legs etc...

 

[baptistbirdman]

No we're not restricting food at all. We've got a nice big feeder, and it just stays pretty full, same with the waterer.

The Cornish Cross is so big, it's hard to consider it a chick. I'm guessing the cross is actually about 5 weeks old right now. Although its funny about you saying their legs could break, they are so fat that they just waddle around. I figure it will make for some good eating though. When should I take them off the medicated starter feed? The rest of the chickens are RIR's and other unknown dual purpose birds.

 

[CoopCrazy]

YOu really need to get them off of full time feed or process them now.. I dont want to say they will all die before you can process but it is very likely .. They will sit and eat themselves to death ... It is hardwired into them .. i would seperate them and get them on 12hrs on and 12hrs off... I have on that I will be processing tonight as she broke her foot and I ahve been really taking them slowly.. I cant imagine the problems I would have if mine were eating all they want...