Possible CRD? Hard breathing then die?

[Dunkopf]

Quote:
I can do that. I just worry about them piling up and smothering each other.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I'm with jeff, I would not add lights at this point.
It sounds like you have a batch with weak hearts. I would suggest just butchering now to avoid further losses. Your set up sounds ideal and it sounds like you have an idea of what should and shouldn't be, so I really think the problem here is in the birds and that does happen in batches, the only other thing I would think to ask is are they for sure getting enough water? even just half a day without seems to overstress the CX.

 

[Dunkopf]

I put them back in to their original 8x8 house with 2 250 watt lights. This am they were all very hungry. A couple weren't joining in the fray but at least they weren't shivering. I've made sure they always have water. We'll see what happens.

 

[PolloAdoro]

Ok, so I'm no expert, but I too live in Colorado and was looking into raising these same birds. Apparently ( as I was told by a hatchery) they do not do well in altitudes above 5000 feet because the thinner air and the rate they grow causes cardiac/ respratory stress and premature death. I live at 9000 feet but our state in general is above 5000, just a thought......
***side note*** apparently Red Broilers are better suited for our altitude because they grow a bit slower but do fill out to about the same size (3-4 extra weeks) which is less stressful on their systems.

 

[Dunkopf]

Quote:
Maybe I'll try those. We are at 6800 ft. They are doing better with some heat. We did some a year ago and they were fine. Bet the altitude does have some effect though.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Above 5000 feet? Wow, that makes sense. My sea level brain never thought of that one.

So, next year, FREEDOM RANGERS!!!!!!!! WHOOOHOOOOOOOO

http://jmhatchery.com/

You know you want em!!!

 

[Dunkopf]

Well today was final slaughter day. Started with 50, lost 4 due to piling. Butchered 13 last weekend. They have died here and there till today. I had 19 left. At almost 9 weeks, they averaged 4-6 lbs depending on sex. They were fed starter for 4 weeks the either flock raiser or Nutrena finisher grower. Constant water and all you can eat food for 12 on 12 off. A woman was at the butcher with 30 birds. She had lost 3 over 12 weeks and her birds were in the 8-10 lb range. So I don't think the altitude makes much difference. At least not 6900 ft. Our last batch in spring of 09 was 25 chickens and we took 21 to the butcher. They were all in the 5-7 lb range by 8 weeks. Might be the cold weather too. I'm sure it was all heart attacks.

This last batch came from McMurray. I'm not using them again. The butcher suggested Townhill hatchery. I'm going to get all Cockrells next time too.

 

[deerman]

Quote:
Ok I know a little late, but for the future. Here the rule Start them at 95 degree reduce 5 degree per week. Now after 4 weeks thats 75 degree little cooler guess would be ok......but looks like your were in temp near 32 as water was getting ice..........So the temp was your problem, will also them not gain as much weight.

My last batch i order 50 ,was sent few extras....I took 52 to the butcher at 9 weeks

 

[Dunkopf]

Thanks, I think I'll try that next time. Maybe start in April and keep them in the garage closet with heat lamps. By the time they go outside the temp should be high enough, but not too high. We would like to start selling them if we can make a profit.

 

[deerman]

I get mine from MtHealthy Hatcheries...also you can get just males they grow the faster as I am sure you know.