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- #21
Sorry to say that the ponedoras turned out to be a one season layer. I guess they are bred to withstand the heat and high humidity here in Costa Rica. I have now found a replacement for those layers.
Three days ago I was told to go and collect the new chicks we had been waiting for almost 4 months for.
They are a general purpose bird (I asked but there is no breed name for them) as most of the birds raised here are for commercial egg operations they stop laying at the end of one season. Of the 29 chicks left, one passed, we plan to keep one roo and 8 or 10 layers. The cockerels will be raised for eating. This is Momma PJ, a silkie hen that is so good, she was sitting on eggs when I brought the chicks home, they went right for her and she allowed it. She finally left the nest box so more of them could get under her. I toss her some food and the little beggars take the food right out of her mouth. Believe it or not there are 29 chicks trying to get under her. There are two small heat lamps in the brooder area so the ones that cannot get under her can keep warm.
This is what they should look like when grown. She is an awesome hen, good weight and lays good, large eggs. I plan to select all of the replacements as to their egg size, number one, then their weight as we will butcher the cockerels. I've learned from another what to look for in the hens and roo I wish to keep, broad chest, good wide back and nice heavy thighs. Of course health is a major thing, I've had no sick poultry and wish to keep it that way, I think the deep litter method is a very big bonus for keeping the flock healthy.
Three days ago I was told to go and collect the new chicks we had been waiting for almost 4 months for.
They are a general purpose bird (I asked but there is no breed name for them) as most of the birds raised here are for commercial egg operations they stop laying at the end of one season. Of the 29 chicks left, one passed, we plan to keep one roo and 8 or 10 layers. The cockerels will be raised for eating. This is Momma PJ, a silkie hen that is so good, she was sitting on eggs when I brought the chicks home, they went right for her and she allowed it. She finally left the nest box so more of them could get under her. I toss her some food and the little beggars take the food right out of her mouth. Believe it or not there are 29 chicks trying to get under her. There are two small heat lamps in the brooder area so the ones that cannot get under her can keep warm.
This is what they should look like when grown. She is an awesome hen, good weight and lays good, large eggs. I plan to select all of the replacements as to their egg size, number one, then their weight as we will butcher the cockerels. I've learned from another what to look for in the hens and roo I wish to keep, broad chest, good wide back and nice heavy thighs. Of course health is a major thing, I've had no sick poultry and wish to keep it that way, I think the deep litter method is a very big bonus for keeping the flock healthy.
