Daily Journal: 50-Cornish X chicks from Schlecht

[bnentrup]

Quote:
Thanks NotaFarm; I think we have stabilized now! No dead birds last night, and all are looking well. I am not sure yet if I will be glad or wish I had just 25.. I will let you know here in 6-7 weeks! I hope to have similar weights as yours. looks like your average was about 5lb dressed, which is ideal in my eyes!

 

[bnentrup]

I figured I would post an update today. Note; that I am keeping the first post as my collective journal as well.

I passed out after taking benadryl last night, and awoke this morning remembering that I did not turn the brooder light on. It has been 60's at night here, and therefore I have been ensuring the brooder light remain on. However, when I checked them in the garage, all is well! They were fine indeed and the thermometer read 84 degrees in their brooder.

They are doing well, and I still have 45. We have stabilized and feel we are on the right track. I did weight a random one yesterday and with a cheap scale show about 3oz. I figure I will monitor their weights to show their gain per day...and then we will also take the total feed utilized (once depleted) to show a scale of weight vs feed vs time. There should be a nice gradual curve in the results.

My 4-year old has enjoyed them in the yard, as she chooses a few chicks to chase around. I keep reminding her that these are our meat chickens, and she still has not fully given in. The irony is that when I say we are going to eat these (We have just had layers at this point) she keeps saying 'no-they are too small, you can't eat them'. Keep in mind though that she is my deer hunting fan, as she stands with me as I am processing my deer. I want to be sensitive but also teach her that this is the cycle of life and this is where her chicken nuggets come from (well, hopefully much better though!).

 

[bnentrup]

Well, we are just shy of 2-weeks on day 13 now, and a bit concerned with weights. Average weight is about 5oz, and expect that in the next few days to reach average of 6oz. This is 1/2 less than the Welp Hatchery chart.

I have not lost ANY birds since the first week of learning, and feel the birds are healthy, but just not FAT enough! We have used about 40lbs of food, and using Dumor Chick starter (20%). This was the highest starter that our Tractor Supply store had. I would assume that many others have used this as well, and figured that even though it is not 22-24%, I will have sufficient growth but possibly taking a bit longer for processing.

I am still feeding 24/7 without restriction and also keeping one light on (specifically over the feeder). I am wondering now if the placement of the light is the issue (too warm over the food).

The garage has reached 105-degree at the hottest-- and when all doors open maintains about 90-degrees. Therefore, the lamp may just be too much.

Anyone used a fluorescent for their ambient lighting? It would produce MUCH less heat- just not sure if there are any mixed results. I do keep the overhead light on as well (flourescent) but feel there is a difference in activity when the directional light is turned on.

 

[halo]

Ive not raised meat birds, so take this for what its worth. Ive read more bad than good on the Dumor feed. The protein percentage is fine, but its not the only thing needed for raising chicks (or any critter, for that matter). That also need the proper balance, and amount, of vitamins and minerals. I know a lot of people who have switched off of Dumor because their birds didnt do as well on it as other feeds.

So take that for what its worth.

 

[bnentrup]

We will shop on the other side of town. I have plenty of started birds that will enjoy the remaining bag of Dumor. I went with it ($1 less) over Purina for the only reason being that the purina shows 18% protein. I would like to find a 22% alternative.

I just checked another local place and see that all they have (suited for chickens) is 18% as well!! http://www.orschelnfarmhome.com/Livestock/Livestock-Feed/Poultry-Feed/22-Game-Bird-Starter-Grower-Crumbles-109501966

I know others have mixed the game bird (24%) with the 18% to get a higher protein but with the nutrients needed for chickens.

 

[halo]

I think Purina Flockraiser is 20%. Ive used that on my birds of all ages with great success. Im not sure that a 2% difference in protein is that significant, if using a quality feed.

 

[HLAC]

I just killed the last of my cornish X's. (only had 20)

I killed four at 5 weeks and the others at 7 weeks.
I used Dumor from start to finish. Didn't lose any birds.
I did have one runt from the very start and one that developed ascites at 4.5 weeks, otherwise all the birds did fine and gained like crazy. (at five weeks the runt dressed out at 1.5 lbs, the ascites bird at 2.5 lbs and the other 'normal two' that I processed weighed 3 lbs (hen) and 3.5lbs (rooster) dressed.

The ones processed at 7 weeks are actually too big for my liking. (I did restrict feed from 4 weeks on.)

Anyhow, I don't think the Dumor is the problem. I was quite pleased with this feed. I have also heard that Dumor is made by Purina and bagged for TSC.

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
I started mine at 90 degrees , and lowered temps 5 degrees each week , weaned them off supplemental heat at 3 weeks . This was inside .
Now that their outside , the CX tend to stop eating when the temperature goes up to around 85 , it may be slightly warmer in the tractor as I think the tarp roof is trapping some heat in there . Your slow growth may be do to the excessive heat . I want mine slow grown for a breeding project . If I wanted them growing faster I would raise the sides for better air movement [ only about a 6" opening on the west side but the east side is open completely for 4' except for a shade cloth on top ] and run a fan if the breeze died .

 

[bnentrup]

Quote:
Thanks HLAC, I appreciate this input. I often find that people are Brand loyal (Purina or other) and knock the others because one person has a bad experience. I know that I could probably find a person who promotes Dumor for everyone that says it is junk. After reading a bit, I think it would do more harm to switch feed type than to stick with Dumor to the end. I can try Purina my next batch and see if I can tell the difference.

My weights may not be much of an issue at all. Again, I am just shy of 2-weeks at this point.. and about 60% to goal weight (of the 2-week/1 pound ratio). I would think that if they do not gain weight as quickly, that this may keep them a bit more heart healthy with less fat around the heart at this point in life. They are eating well at night, therefore I just need to focus more on pushing those night-time feeding cycles! I may keep the brooder darker in the day, and then kick the lights on for a 14-hour period from 9pm on. This will also keep the brooder cooler without excess lighting cooking the birds.

 

[Beekissed]

I noticed my meaties are affected by the heat and want to lie down somewhere cool during the hottest parts of the day. In the early morning and late in the evening they really become active and forage well. I put a fan up in the coop for these hot temps and diluted their usual rations with oats and BOSS to slow their growth and in attempt to keep them a little cooler.

I am going on 6 1/2 wks and I don't really know how big they are supposed to be at that age...but I don't really care. I want the extra meatiness of these birds but I don't want to overstress their organs and bones with a fast growth cycle if I can help it. No profit in it if you lose birds.