meaties are **3 weeks** today!

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

Absolutely sure.

Bought them on my last payday: also the first day my tsc had chicks: Feb. 28. However, I kept them under a light until this week and I think I have 4 roosters. I've always been told roosters feather out slower. Also, my protein % is lower than yours. That would account for the size difference I suppose. The two EE chicks with them weighed out less than a half pound.

 

[LindsayB]

Maybe they are smaller bc your feeding 18% protein. You shouldn't have to worry about them going down on their legs though. The roosters will grow much fast and larger than the girls.

I just weighed my little roo meatie and he is 22oz! he grew 4 oz in 2 days!

 

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

Honestly like I also said, this is an old scale and I am not sure how accurate it is too...they sure feel like more than 17-19 oz! They are way bigger than my hand...I do hope they pick up soon...don't see how they will be done at 6-8 weeks...

Oh well. I get paid again on Monday so maybe I will invest in some higher protein feed. Also, I don't hold as much stock in the off brand feed I'm using. But honestly, the prices of name brand stuff around here usurp the benefit of raising the meat myself! By the time I butchered, I'd be eating $20.00 each birds!

 

[LindsayB]

I just went and calculated what all I've spent on my 6 meaties and to my suprise its not that bad! I have two 25lb bags of feed that "should" last them until process date. they were 7.49 each. the chicks were 1.25 each...so...alltogether I've spent $22.48 on 6 meat chickens...which comes out to $3.75 per bird...Not bad, I think at least! And I didn't spend a dime on their housing. the pen I built was stuff we already had here.

 

[Bubbles_erin]

okay I grabbed and weighed 3 CXs. I got two at 1 lb 13 oz and one at 2 lbs 3 oz. I almost couldnt believe the 2 pounder, so I weighed her twice...same weight both times

If I figure out how to post pics, I will get some tomorrow. I do have some on my phone and have them on my FB if anyone really wants to see them...

 

[Renee']

Quote:
Average weights of the chicks. I don't think any of us bothers to weigh (nor wants to know!) how much our chicks are eating.

I did post a chart, back on page 1, of the average amount of food they should be consuming (theoretically), by week, if that's what you're looking for.

As a reference - I have 25 birds and at exactly 4 weeks of age then had eaten exactly 100 pounds of feed.

 

[backyardmenagerie]

BigDaddy'sGurl :

Quote:
I like this chart, but what % protein feed does this represent being fed? Anyone know? My chicks are growing a little slower than the chart...but I figure it's because I'm feeding lower protein than most are here...

I think the chart is based on 20% or 22% feed. Mine, too, are not meeting up to it's estimates. I can't see any of them being nearly 2 lbs by next Tuesday. Tgrlily, however, is way ahead. I'm thinking about going and getting a bag of soybean meal to mix into my feed to up the protein. I'd hate to waste the stuff I already have.
BTW, I'm putting in your current weights as your week 4 weights, and I'll update it later.

Any one else? Last call!

So far, I have:
LindsayB
Tgrlily
BackyardM
Averytds
Bubbles_ erin
In His Service
BigDaddy'sGurl

Please include:
# of chicks and breed:
Hatchery source:
Brand and protein % of feed:
Whether you are restricting feed or not:
Housing (after brooder):
Weights for each week (if you have them):​

 

[In His Service]

ok, official weights, mine are 2 weeks old today, on Dumor 20%.

2 x 21oz
3 x 23oz
1 x 25oz
1 x 26oz
1 x 27oz

ETA: They are from TSC, feeder is filled, they allowed to go a few hours before filling again, not refilled after dark (outside).

 

[backyardmenagerie]

Tada! If you see any missing info, feel free to PM me, and I'll update my data.
Thank you everyone who is taking the time to be involved in this

PS - I realized not all TSC get their chicks from Ideal Hatchery... so to those who got their chicks at TSC, any idea what hatchery your store uses?

 

[Bubbles_erin]

WOW that is awsome!! THANK YOU for taking the time to do that!!

it will be interesting to see where we all end....