***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[artsyrobin]

my little roo from the cloverleaf farms is a sweet boy, don't think he has a mean bone- my problem with them is the chicks that hatch that have issues, 2 have had cross beak, although i don't know if that is genetic, the other was a failure to thrive- this is Cressy- serious cross beak- she can only lick food up, so the food is a gruel.



on roosters- each one does have a different crow- i have 7 and can tell who is crowing by the sound

 

[miohippus]

if you got some 'project' cochins they wouldn't be that expensive

That might work if i could find some.

 

[NanaKat]

my little roo from the cloverleaf farms is a sweet boy, don't think he has a mean bone- my problem with them is the chicks that hatch that have issues, 2 have had cross beak, although i don't know if that is genetic, the other was a failure to thrive- this is Cressy- serious cross beak- she can only lick food up, so the food is a gruel. on roosters- each one does have a different crow- i have 7 and can tell who is crowing by the sound

I have one pullet that is a cross beak. Against my better judgement, I assisted her at hatch when she pipped on the pointed side of her shell instead of at the big end with the air bubble. I had to move her head by gripping her beak. It was not until she was a month old that I noticed her beak was going to cross. She is now five months old and still eats well from a deep dish of starter crumbles. When she is big enough for freezer camp I will dispatch her. ...unless someone wants to give her a home. She free-ranges with the flock and I've seen her catch a grasshopper. Perhaps I should post a photo too.

 

[Kassaundra]

I have had two crosses, one just about as serious as Robin's, I culled her when she was big enough to eat. The less severe one was rehomed.

I separated out the boys today. Shelbydog I have one that might be dark skinned large bow tied female. I am still not sure of gender, but fingers are crossed for you. If she is a girl she is almost entirely black.

 

[Kassaundra]

Anyone home from the gathering in Tahlequah yet?????


Wish I had been able to go this time

 

[Ksane]

Ksane: Without a broody hen to mother the chicks you would have a bunch in a brooder to babysit all winter... I don't like to incubate in late fall or winter for that very reason. I like chicks outside getting inoculated to their environment. They seem to do better with a hen to cover them for warmth. I set down floor boxes in the brooder room and leave the door open to the layer room for the hens to take the chicks outside when they want.

This is what concerns me lol I do have more than enough brood girls who'd probably take chicks, but as many snakes also. They'll take the chicks right along with the eggs. 30 roosters how do you deal with the crowing?????? Don't mind it a bit, I love their crowing. Roosters are my weakness I love my boys. And they're sure a lot quieter than Guineas.

my little roo from the cloverleaf farms is a sweet boy, don't think he has a mean bone- my problem with them is the chicks that hatch that have issues, 2 have had cross beak, although i don't know if that is genetic, the other was a failure to thrive- this is Cressy- serious cross beak- she can only lick food up, so the food is a gruel. on roosters- each one does have a different crow- i have 7 and can tell who is crowing by the sound

I hear breeders all the time blaming cross beak and messed up toes and legs on shipped eggs & incubation. Not sure if it's the shipping, the diet of the parents or how closely related the parents are or what it is. I do think Bantam Favs are too closely related but what do I know?

 

[Kassaundra]

I think it is at least partially genetic. It is an actual skull deformity that is usually not visible at hatch and develops over the first few weeks, the earlier it is visible the worse the deformity will come to be.


I think mine come from Jaxom's line so if I want Sc carriers I have to deal w/ the cross beak potential.

 

[shelbydog]

Anyone home from the gathering in Tahlequah yet?????


Wish I had been able to go this time 

I'm almost home. Had a good time hanging out and chatting. I got a snowy call duck trio that are super cute. And I got 3 pullets from Poco Pollo. Kyzmette got 4 really cute blue silkie mixes.

Kass, I'm interested if she is indeed a girl.

 

[Kassaundra]

I'm almost home. Had a good time hanging out and chatting. I got a snowy call duck trio that are super cute. And I got 3 pullets from Poco Pollo. Kyzmette got 4 really cute blue silkie mixes.

Kass, I'm interested if she is indeed a girl.

I'll let you know as soon as I am sure and you have first dibs.

 

[Kyzmette]

Home and have the four new girls in their temporary home too! I need more day in my day. And another me. I have GOT to get this pen built, and now I need that isolation pen ASAP, as well as a brooder box. Although I was told these silkie mixes are excellent broodies... I'm wondering if I could slip some babies under them.

Oh, and apparently one of the silkies might have scaley leg mites. I doused her legs with Pam cooking spray. Is that the preferred method or is there a better way? Poor chickie, her feet look like my grandmother's did.