French frogs

[abbevilleoz]

Ha... ha... ha...
That's usually how twins that hatch ends, unfortunately... why I won't set them... would rather deal with DIS than hatching one I know won't make it... :/
I do have Layena as well... tried that with these 2... they refused to eat it and went on a forage only diet... picky little buggers...

I actually think it has more to do with how they were raised early... my friend I bought them from actually got them from a really well known Call breeder... his direct stock... she told me when she picked them up that not impressed with his setup was an understatement... they're also the only ones of mine that don't groom regularly, they have to be 'persuaded'... gonna try giving them calcium gluconate from now on... tried to get it before, but TSC was out...
Like Local said, first egg... oyster shell can be put out a bit earlier, they really don't seem to start eating it til they need it, but if you see them chowing on it too much (more than just some pecks to see what it is) then I'd pull it til eggs come...
Frmboy, you have 2 very pretty pullets... those aren't pointy hackle feathers, it's the pattern... I see salmon breasts on both, males will have black breasts...
Yep... and if it looks like they have any issues with bigger pieces just crush them up a bit more...

Also, Layena has a slightly more pricey pellet I like to give my all adult bantams sometimes... called Layena Plus with Omega 3... mine don't really need that added Omega 3, but the pellet size of it is smaller than regular Layena, but bags are 40# instead of 50# too...
The issue is people don't see the effects of too much calcium right away so they assume it isn't hurting them... but the buildup of excess calcium continues through their life and in the end can shorten their lives quite a bit...

Bird suddenly drops dead at 3, 4 or 5 years old, for example...
You're full of awesome info today, Jack... keep it up...

Just remember, working harder equals shorter working life...
You just have to go with what works for you... balance the pros and cons, the extra hassle and work for you, number of older birds vs younger birds... what is best for the whole over what is best for a few...

Thanks Everybody! I've read different opinions and my vet suggested I increase my calcium for Clementine (AM Pullet) to help with her crop issues.

 

[FridayYet]

Hope that works for her, Oz!

 

[Ravynscroft]

I was reading about Spiral vs Line breeding. To accomplish that, I'd have to build some more pens, which is something that I haven't sold my wife on yet. I may just have to try to sneak some in. Line breeding is fairly simple in the short-term, but it's after your first rooster is retired that I feel like it gets more complex. I need to establish a good system/approach before I start breeding to make sure my approach makes sense. 

Easiest thing is to toe punch or leg band to keep track of offspring from different pairings... yiu can get away with keeping a mixed pen and a pure pen and just swap your breeders as needed... lengthier time wise, but workable in less space...

Thanks Everybody! I've read different opinions and my vet suggested I increase my calcium for Clementine (AM Pullet) to help with her crop issues.

I'd try the layer if you want, but search calcium gluconate 23% here on the site... I would get it if you are just needing to up calcium for a single bird... Kathy (casportpony) has posted dosage instructions for that and it's injectable SQ or can be given orally... besides, I think its one of those good things to keep on hand for 'just in case'... it is the best stuff to give an eggbound bird, I feel...

 

[Ravynscroft]

Hope that works for her, Oz!

X2!!

Gotta keep that famous girl going!

 

[frmboyinthecity]

Easiest thing is to toe punch or leg band to keep track of offspring from different pairings... yiu can get away with keeping a mixed pen and a pure pen and just swap your breeders as needed... lengthier time wise, but workable in less space...

I'm planning on getting some leg bands, and I was thinking doing a mixed pen, because I am sure my neighbors would start whining if I have 5-6 roosters around here.

 

[Ravynscroft]

I'm planning on getting some leg bands, and I was thinking doing a mixed pen, because I am sure my neighbors would start whining if I have 5-6 roosters around here.

Keep your 2 best roos... and when growing out new boys you can usually get a fairly accurate estimate of quality right about when they'll start crowing so can do your main culling then...

 

[LittleLakePhil]

Hey.... Hope it's a good day.... Just checking in.
Rav I feed mine layena plus omega.... But mine don't eat tons of it either cuz I'm always feeding them snacks and they are heavy foragers..... But there still wasn't any doubt that my eggs did get better with the little that they do eat.

 

[frmboyinthecity]

Keep your 2 best roos... and when growing out new boys you can usually get a fairly accurate estimate of quality right about when they'll start crowing so can do your main culling then...

I will do that. Thanks for the advice.

 

[WVduckchick]

Hey SC, if you are still checking in, here's one for you.

 

[frmboyinthecity]

Hey SC, if you are still checking in, here's one for you.

Looks like the charmin missed the bowl again.