Freezer Camp For The Whole Flock!!!!!!!!!

[CMV]

This post has disturbed me. It's bothersome not because the OP was going to butcher his flock, but because people gave him such flack over it. We are here to offer wisdom, support and advice to those who are struggling with poultry issues. It is ultimately an owner's decision as to what they are going to do with their flock, and at least ChickenGeorge was going to get some use out of his otherwise useless birds. I can't fault that, nor should anyone else. The tone of many responses here has not been at all supportive, and that surprises and disturbs me.

ChickenGeorge- do what you will with your own chickens. Some good advice was offered and should you choose to follow it you will have productive hens. I am glad you are able to laugh off the negative comments so easily.

 

[biddyboo]

With BRs and Australorps, you have a lovely flock of hens. I agree with posts above that you probably hit POL when their natural hormonal slowing down of egg laying occurred. In the spirit of the season, maybe a little charity, patience, and love is needed here, trusting that the eggs will come with light as we approach spring! Enjoy your beautiful hens while they rely on you, then you can enjoy their delicious eggs in the springtime. Best wishes to you all! ~G

 

[DeGriz]

Quote:
Hey there George, congrats on getting your deer. I'd be happy to swap you a couple dozen eggs for a tenderloin

You know just until yours get going.

Funny thing,

I was just out at my coop, and I told the girls that the forecast for tonight would be a low of (-1) with a windchill of (-20)


As I was closing the gate, I could swear I heard one of them say...






There Was This One Time...

At Freezer Camp...

 

[Paraclete 2]

Hi George! Can't say that I blame you, The only thing you may want to consider is that April is the worst month of the year to start with baby chicks. Both barred rocks and austrolorps take six months to six and a half mos to start laying and that leads right in to October when the weather start really getting colder and days are shorter. If I were you, I'd consider this an object lesson, and start day old at the end of Feb and all of March, or get then in august and sept using the colder month to grow them and expect eggs come spring. I just happen to raise both of those breed along with several others and they are not early layers. Come on George don't let frustration get the best of you. We all have to learn and go through the learning curve. Best wishes. Paraclete 2

 

[ChickenGeorge]

DeGriz, would be happy to share the deer meat with you, but it has already been claimed by several family and friends. Ha. I do have a couple more tags to fill. Hoping to do that over the Christmas holidays. Gotta be sure to have my supply of deer jerky.

Para, thanks, that is exactly what I am going to do. May even start before Feb. if I can get the chicks. Think I will go with Rhode Island Reds this year. Getting my garden spot ready now for onions, peas, and such, just may check on some early chicks. Texas is never really really cold so I can problably get them early.

No frustration here. Promise. It's all good.

 

[CAMOCLUCKS]

I am with you we have 30 that just stopped laying 3-4 weeks ago they are a bunch of free loaders not worthy of the food they eat, Good Luck hope you get the answer you are looking for.

 

[95yj]

post this in the meat bird forum, they'd be ALOT more supportive, i say go for it if they aren't giving you any eggs.

 

[Bourkeco]

What are you feeding them>>>> I was not feeding mine the right stuff and the would not lay.... Changed the food to layer/scratch mix and now I got EGGS!!!!
another thing is some table scraps will hinder laying (someone here can give you a list....
Good Luck!!!

Scott


Quote:

 

[Dixiedoodle]

I understand your fustration about no eggs.. But you may come out ahead of the game by selling them as POL pullets for 15$ each, if you don't want to harvest them all.. When I was looking for chickens, would love to have found someone close by that had pullets of that age-- in the fall or winter. I paid 15$ for my girls @ 18 weeks old and still had to wait 6 more weeks for the first egg. I have Ameraucanas 40weeks old and EE that are 36wks old and not one egg from them...BUT I sure don't want to have to start all over w/ chicks..... Maybe you'll get a good Christmas present....

 

[chickenlady]

Boy ChickenGeorge, you really got everyone going here, lol. You dont even need to be on here and the readers take it thru pages and pages of everyone getting each other worked up

. I understand your frustrations here, so do many others. Maybe you could give us the specifics of your arraignments there:

What time does your artificial light come on?
What time does your artificial light go off?
What color is your artificial light?
Wattage of light?
What is the exact feed and %protein you are feeding them?
How much corn do you really feed them?
How many nest boxes do you have? and what material is in them?
Are their combs red? Were they red then turned pale?

With these answers, we may be able to fine tune your setup so we can get you some eggs by Christmas!!! Take care and good luck deer hunting!!