OK, at two weeks into this, I feel kind of sorry for the poor things.

[Two Creeks Farm]

Mine are doing fine, seem happy and other then what I would feel are normal losses, growing strong. Heading to freezer camp next tuesday, looking at the next order for fall!

 

[Denninmi]

Well, day 2 of being outside. That and doling out food several times a day rather than letting them stuff themselves seems to be working. I'll try to watch them and make sure i'm not underfeeding them. For me, this is a real learning experience since its my first time with meaties. They seem to operate under a different set of rules from pullets and other birds I've raised.

 

[Jschaaff]

Quote:
I just wanted to say you're doing great. You are monitoring how they seem to be acting, feeling, and changing things to accomodate them. It is definitely a learning experience! Great job!

Jessa

 

[silkiechicken]

Maybe it is really warm where you are?

Mine are usually really peppy and run around like the regular chickens, just a bit slower and waddlier till about 4-5 weeks, then just start to waddle run for treats. However, if the temps reach over about 65, they really slow down and do a lot more sitting and panting. I don't provide as much eat for the meaties and brood them outside march/april/may with free roam after 3 weeks old, when day/night temps tend to remain mid 40's/mid 30's to mid 50's/mid 40's.

 

[chicmom]

Hi there....I know you're putting them outside in cages, but why not get some put them in a fenced area so they can really stretch their legs and run around.........It will really improve the quality of their short lives if they can stretch their wings and flap around a bit.

TSC had some wooden stakes at .99, and then just grab some chicken wire and string up a nice pen for them!

Even easier, I use a piece of fencing (it's the wire kind, and it's prob 4 feed tall.) Anyhow, it's circle shaped because it was in a roll, and I just stand it up in a circle, so I have this 6x6 area they can play in, and I just pull it around the yard. I just roll it back up when not in use. Very nice.

Good luck with your meat birds!

Sharon

 

[adolf7]

If they are that uncomfortable, over eating sounds like the issue ?? - put them on grass and limit their grain intake. This should help alot. I have had cornish birds and have had no issues keeping them - its either heat or over eating that causes them to pant and be miserable like your talking about.

 

[Denninmi]

Quote:
That's the plan for my next day off. I'm going to make a "tractor" for them.

 

[trulyblessed]

Yes, the outside makes a ton of difference! I just think sunshine, grass and excersise are what ALL chickens need

 

[Denninmi]

Quote:
Unfortunately, they had to stay in the garage today, torrential rains already this morning, and going to storm on and off all day. If its not raining tonight I'll take them out for a while.

 

[ChickyLoo]

Subscribing to this thread. We have meaties coming in a couple wks first timers also. The heat concerns me too wish we had waited till fall but our layers are coming at the same time. Good luck, sounds like you're on the right track & doing a swell job