- May 8, 2008
- 224
- 6
- 144
One of my chicks developed a bad habit at about 6 weeks. It purposely rests on feces. If it makes the mess, it backs up a couple steps and sets. If it sees another messing, it will push it out of the way to lie in it. Needless to say, it's a reeking mess all the time. Another has picked up on the habit, I assume, because it is nearly as much a mess as the first, though I have not seen it indulging in the abberant behavior. Needless to say, I'd like to find out how to fix this.
Now for the details, 6 leghorns and 6 rir. The leghorns (I think, since they were in the "Pullets" bin at tsc, and that was what they told me they were) are easily triple the weight of the rir's. They are only half feathered now at 8-9 weeks, and the 2 offending birds are both from this group. They are so massive that they dont perch much, instead sitting on the bedding. Indeed, they frequently squat in front of the feeder, eating without getting up, and moving only to get water. The rirs are small, perky, pleasant, fully feathered, and enjoy being held. They get dumor starter/grower and occasional veggies and yolks. I throw grit and crumbles in their new bedding.
Now for the details, 6 leghorns and 6 rir. The leghorns (I think, since they were in the "Pullets" bin at tsc, and that was what they told me they were) are easily triple the weight of the rir's. They are only half feathered now at 8-9 weeks, and the 2 offending birds are both from this group. They are so massive that they dont perch much, instead sitting on the bedding. Indeed, they frequently squat in front of the feeder, eating without getting up, and moving only to get water. The rirs are small, perky, pleasant, fully feathered, and enjoy being held. They get dumor starter/grower and occasional veggies and yolks. I throw grit and crumbles in their new bedding.
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