New gamefowl thread

[Bigtom Turkey]

Nice she looks a little smaller, how big is she?

 

[centrarchid]

She is a pullet not quite at point of lay. She should mature just about 4.25 lbs. She be put through a broody cycle this winter indoors. She'll be at near peak weight during first part of filling out her clutch.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

How often do your hens brood?

 

[centrarchid]

Young ones like here I can get three, possibly four successful broods by time she goes in to molt next fall. Otherwise most do only two broods in a season.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

OK, why do the young ones have more? Is it just that they lay more eggs or are in better condition?

 

[centrarchid]

Like young animals of any sort, higher fertility and more rapid recovery after each breeding effort. Older hens can consistently produce 2 broods per season. Really old hens can have trouble doing one.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Oh, OK thanks.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Does anybody here brood chicks during winter?

 

[Florida Bullfrog]

Does anybody here brood chicks during winter?

I do, but I’m in north Florida where winter can be like northern spring most days. Frost at night but no snow and a lot of greenery. I have several hens brooding and I also artificially incubate through the winter.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Oh, ok I am struggling a little with some of my biddies. They are oriental so not known for their wintering abilities. And it does get cold here.