It bottoms out in January and really goes back up starting in March.
Hmmm - I should be home at least by mid April so will get some weights on my gang, I have the weights from when I wormed everyone as a baseline. Not counting the weights on the broodies last summer. I was actually surprised that they held their weight not too badly when they were broody, taking off the nest a couple times a day I feel really helped.
 
That reminds me of Hattie’s feather shredder gene. Any chance that Buckeyes can have it too?

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I was totally thinking of Hattie. Sorry I didn't mention her in the post! I have no idea. I will post this question on the Buckeye thread.

Butters does have a broader, more Orpington-like build and lighter-colored feathers than Buckeyes are "supposed" to have, I think. I have wondered a bit about her heritage. But it takes a while and repeated exposure for my brain to soak up things like breed standards and what's crossed with what and how much, etc. I really know very little about what a "true" Buckeye is supposed to be like, and especially about the other lines that have been developed since the early days. There are a few special "lines" now with Buckeye enthusiasts, which My Pet Chicken, where these guys came from, probably has no connection with. I couldn't get any I contacted to return calls or emails before I ordered from MPC. I do know there have been efforts to "improve" the breed - i.e., increase egg laying 😠 - to make them more attractive to keepers. Maybe that introduces things like a feather shredder gene?
 
This may not make sense, but I’m going out to get my indoor rooster, and bring him indoors. (It’s raining really hard right now)
He was raised by a nice family who kept him indoors. I hope I don’t get too wet. And a towel ready for him!
Success! Jaffar is inside and dry. I tucked him into my jacket. Only thing wet, is my socks, and hat.
 
I wish all the luck to Bernadette.

I see Diana is all tucked in and roosted at the good spot. Has been getting the wall spot?
I would say about a third of the time she gets that spot and the rest of the time she moves over and let’s Bernie have it.
Bernie no longer has to jump on her to get it.
It is a strange but peaceful dynamic.
 
My Brinsae Ecoglow Safety 600 arrived today. I am beyond excited dor chicks this year! Now I am learning that chicks sometimes get burnt under heat plates, so I might also try Mama Heating Pad. I will need to check the temp on that, too!
Exciting. I would read more about the heat plates - I think the burn thing may be a myth.
 

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