New to Raising Meat chickens

[gavmonster]

We are raising meat chickens for 4H. We have read so many books and are more confused. Our chickens are about 14 days old and still don't have feathers on stomach is this normal. We had washed off poop when they were 5 days old and worried we made feathers go away.
I have read you should only feed 12hrs and remove 12hrs when should we start this?
Also, when should we stop starter feed? Have read to give only starter other people says switch at 5 weeks?
Weather is about 90 so can we let them go out in grass? Got grit but said not until they are 4 weeks of age and if they are in the grass eating bugs then they need grit.
Thanks for any help have spent days/hours reading about chickens but still want to make sure we are doing everything right.

 

[jewels621]

Are they Cornish Cross? I just processed my first ever batch 2 weeks ago when they were 55 days old and they never had feathers on their bellies or under their wings. They grow to fast for their feathers to catch up! I fed mine starter feed until the first bag was gone and then switched to poultry fattener from our local mill that was 21% protein. They were about 3 weeks old then. I also gave them chick grit after they were allowed outside to be in the grass, but I sprinkled it on their regular food because they didn't seem to understand the free-choice thing. At 3 weeks I did the 12-on 12-off thing with their food and then let them eat all they want for the last 2 weeks before processing. I know some feed 24 hours.....I was just worried about keeping them from flipping at the end. At 55 days my birds dressed out at an average of 5 lbs. Higher protein feed = heavier birds. Also, these pooping machines create a lot of body heat, so if it's already hot weather wise, I would keep an eye on them and consider the 12-on/12-off feedings. Eating corn will also cause them to produce more heat, so I wouldn't supplement feed with any. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[drumstick diva]

Does your 4H leader have any experience raising meaties? I know very little about them. In the Raising Backyard Chickens forum I believe the last tab is for meaties.
You might want to start a thread: " HAVE MEATIES , NOW WHAT???" to get attention and hopefully good replies. Other members will be coming on to welcome you and some will probably have
experience raising them.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, gavmonster, and

! Pleased you joined us! I've been processing bald-breasted meaties all week! Jewels621 has it right on - if you have Cornish X they just can't keep up with feather production on their rapidly growing bodies. In terms of feed, I discontinue the starter after 4 weeks and then feed them an 18% all-flock to slow the growth and hopefully eliminate potential leg problems. In terms of grass...mine are usually so lazy they never venture far from the feeder. Go with the 12 hrs. on/12 off schedule, gave lots of fresh water and shade - they are pretty fragile. Good luck to you!!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Jewel's advice was excellent.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[chickenpooplady]

from Ohio! We also raise meat chicken for 4-H. It sounds like your questions were all answered but you can read my article if you want!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-raise-chickens-for-meat-tips-and-pictures Good luck with your meat chickens!

 

[Joanmcm]

Thanks for the article. This is our first time raising broilers and all information is much appreciated. My chicks do not get a light at night and they do seem to sleep now vs walking around all night. I have not weighed them yet. They are 5 weeks old and many are feathered, and many are still working on it. We have fed 19% organic feed the entire time and have not lost a bird. The birds are in a pasture pen which is moved every day and we are starting to move it 2x a day. The birds eat and drink constantly during the day.

 

[chickenpooplady]

Thanks for the article. This is our first time raising broilers and all information is much appreciated. My chicks do not get a light at night and they do seem to sleep now vs walking around all night. I have not weighed them yet. They are 5 weeks old and many are feathered, and many are still working on it. We have fed 19% organic feed the entire time and have not lost a bird. The birds are in a pasture pen which is moved every day and we are starting to move it 2x a day. The birds eat and drink constantly during the day.

Wow! Everything sounds great!