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Annie,
we don't use medicate chick starter either.... 95% of our chicks are broody raised, but last year we did get 2 batches of TSC chicks (meat birds and Black Giants). We put a pan with sand into the brooder. (half clean sand, half coop sand). This allowed the chicks to scratch in it and get exposed to any germs or such that they would eventually have to deal with outside. We would sprinkle some crushed sunflower seeds, peanuts, chopped scrambled eggs or meal worms in the sand to give them something as a treat. We also would put a couple of tablespoons of chopped scrambled egg mixed with yogurt onto a plastic bowl lid (think cool whip container lid) and give it to them.

Each coop and environment is a bit different, as is the general health of any chicks you buy... all you can do is your best to give them a safe, happy and warm environment. Don't get discouraged by losses and learn from anything that does go wrong so it will be better for the next time...
 
fisherlady said:
Annie,
we don't use medicate chick starter either.... 95% of our chicks are broody raised, but last year we did get 2 batches of TSC chicks (meat birds and Black Giants). We put a pan with sand into the brooder. (half clean sand, half coop sand). This allowed the chicks to scratch in it and get exposed to any germs or such that they would eventually have to deal with outside. We would sprinkle some crushed sunflower seeds, peanuts, chopped scrambled eggs or meal worms in the sand to give them something as a treat. We also would put a couple of tablespoons of chopped scrambled egg mixed with yogurt onto a plastic bowl lid (think cool whip container lid) and give it to them.

Each coop and environment is a bit different, as is the general health of any chicks you buy... all you can do is your best to give them a safe, happy and warm environment. Don't get discouraged by losses and learn from anything that does go wrong so it will be better for the next time...
Click to expand...
I do a very similar set up, only without the broodies,,,,TSC will often have bags of sand on sale in the spring, I buy about 10 bags for the year,,,I use that for all kinds of dust baths and grit for little ones....Sand is very easy to mix in the dirt from wherever the chicks will be going,,,,,,

I much prefer that they build a natural exposure than a chemical one

BUT........I do hesitate to give this kind of advice, what works for me may not work for others,,,,,, and those who have met me can tell you that, I am just a little bit different at times........think beverly hillbillies, granny....very stuck in my way of doing things...
 
wingstone said:
fisherlady said:
 
Annie,
we don't use medicate chick starter either.... 95% of our chicks are broody raised, but last year we did get 2 batches of TSC chicks (meat birds and Black Giants).  We put a pan with sand into the brooder. (half clean sand, half coop sand).  This allowed the chicks to scratch in it and get exposed to any germs or such that they would eventually have to deal with outside.  We would sprinkle some crushed sunflower seeds, peanuts, chopped scrambled eggs or meal worms in the sand to give them something as a treat.  We also would put  a couple of tablespoons of chopped scrambled egg mixed with yogurt onto a plastic bowl lid (think cool whip container lid) and give it to them.

Each coop and environment is a bit different, as is the general health of any chicks you buy... all you can do is your best to give them a safe, happy and warm environment.  Don't get discouraged by losses and learn from anything that does go wrong so it will be better for the next time...
Click to expand...

I do a very similar set up, only without the broodies,,,,TSC will often have bags of sand on sale in the spring, I buy about 10 bags for the year,,,I use that for all kinds of dust baths and grit for little ones....Sand is very easy to mix in the dirt from wherever the chicks will be going,,,,,,

I much prefer that they build a natural exposure than a chemical one

BUT........I do hesitate to give this kind of advice,    what works for me may not work for others,,,,,, and those who have met me can tell you that, I am just a little bit different at times........think beverly hillbillies, granny....very stuck in my way of doing things...
Click to expand...

I resemble that remark. Maybe add in a bit of Duck Dynasty without the swamp...lol
 
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wingstone said:
I do a very similar set up, only without the broodies,,,,TSC will often have bags of sand on sale in the spring, I buy about 10 bags for the year,,,I use that for all kinds of dust baths and grit for little ones....Sand is very easy to mix in the dirt from wherever the chicks will be going,,,,,,

I much prefer that they build a natural exposure than a chemical one

BUT........I do hesitate to give this kind of advice, what works for me may not work for others,,,,,, and those who have met me can tell you that, I am just a little bit different at times........think beverly hillbillies, granny....very stuck in my way of doing things...
Click to expand...
being different is a good thing!! Take if from someone who never knew what 'normal' felt like growing up... and still really doesn't!
idunno.gif

we each have to experiment to find what works best for our little bit of environment
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and your way only needs to work for you, not for anyone else!
 
Let's talk Dorking,

I could look them up, but much prefer personal experience,,,,

I no longer have the delaware rooster that was used in my meat breeding program,,,,,,do you think that the dorking would be a good replacement, I am a little concerned about the comb size of the dorkings, really trying to stay awhile from those big flappy birds, but darn it, I like those..

If you have them could you send some pics and a brief overview of what you think of them??

how well would they fit into a mixed flock, I house everything together in the winter ??

how well do the eggs hatch,,,,,I find some breeds hard to hatch..??

I am looking for fast weight gain and I will often hold a few freedom ranger hens over until egg laying, these are fairly large hens,,,,what are the thoughts on that combo..(the hen's are hard to predict the outcome since it is a secret of their background, but so far I often get an offspring that looks like orpington)
 
just to add to that last post,
what I would really like to find is white cornish, and then cross them with a white rock breed..

unfortunately, these 2 have not been easy to find...
he.gif
 
stake said:
Good morning folks:

Here's my rundown:

Had an Amazon delivery today....all parts for the coolerbarter are now here. (still need something to monitor humidity)
My Main roo, has lost 1/2 the points on his crop to frostbite....but he is healthy
My sick GLW girl went to the vet this morning....

Hope everyone stays warm!
Click to expand...


WELLLLLLLL what vet say!!!!
 

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