Growing too fast

[LazyGirl]

I am doing my first batch of broilers, and I got Cornish Crosses from McMurrray. They are 5 weeks old, in an outdoor moveable pen and eating grain. I have 3 already that are having trouble walking do to their size. Any advice?

 

[mmajw]

They are known for leg problems and heart attacks. You could try and restrict their feed so they wont grow as fast and/or just watch those ones closely. Mine are only around for 8 weeks because after 8 weeks I start loosing some to leg and heart problems.

Have you planned your date to cull yours?

 

[LazyGirl]

Thanks. I am planning on culling right at 8 weeks, too. Some of them are soo big already, it's almost like they should be butchered soon, but since I am not doing my own (I know, I am chicken! No pun intended) I don't know if I can. The majority of this batch seem healthly and the right size. Can I do any Chicken Physical Therapy?

 

[mmajw]

Last year when I had them I had to carry a couple of them to and from the food and water because their legs wouldnt work well.

 

[Peruvian]

We had one that had some leg problems in our last batch. We pulled it out of the tractor as it wasn't getting feed/water and the other birds were trampling it. We put it in the brooder and helped it back to health. It was walking just in time for processing.

 

[mmajw]

Thats funny mine was walking just in time to be processed as well.

 

[LazyGirl]

OK. I'll give them some TLC. I want these 3 to make it, since they are going to bring the highest $$.

 

[dixygirl]

Good luck.

 

[willheveland]

Quote:
What % of protein is in your feed? Sounds like it may need to be higher. Will

 

[LazyGirl]

I started them with 20%, but now for the past week have some that is only 18% Is this too low? I have fish meal i could add.
Thanks