Rangers and flip

[TimG]

I just found my 3rd feet-in-the-air, lying-on-its-back, dead Ranger. I think this is called "flip" and is a heart related cause of death, right? I haven't read of other people experiencing the same, but I'm thinking these Rangers might not be quite as sustainable as hoped for.

I'm not really discouraged, I knew going in that these were fast growing hybrids and some problems were to be expected. But, this has reinforced the idea that perhaps mixing with a standard breed might be a good thing. Also, waiting until they are a bit older to breed to eliminate those that are susceptible to flip (assuming it is genetic).

BTW, the pullet I found today was just over 11 pounds and just under 22 weeks.

 

[mstricer]

I'm sorry Tim. Aren't they supposed to be processed at 12 weeks

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

In my opinion one you go over 9 or 10 lbs heart problems can be a real issue and feed needs to be modified to address it. You raised a meat bird to 11 lbs in 22 weeks, pretty impressive! Probably should have set your limit at 10 lbs and butchered then - hindsite is great

 

[TimG]

My plan is to keep some and breed them which is why they are being kept past 12 weeks.

They are on a bit of a restricted diet. Every night for 2-3 weeks now they wander into a empty coop where there is no food. I let them out in the morning and they make a quick dash for the food. So, they are effectively on a 12 on , 12 off schedule. This was their choice, I was putting them in the coop with the layers where there is always food available until they chose the empty coop -- it seemed easier to just close the door behind them than try to move them all every night. And, I eventually want to isolate them in the extra coop so I can make sure the right rooster is doing the job and I can tell for sure which eggs they are laying, so I don't mind them getting used to it.

Anyway, yes, I know I am keeping them longer than intended. I am not alone in this and am hoping to have other share their experience to determine whether I am experiencing something unusual or if others are experiencing similar losses.

 

[crperdue]

I lost 5 breeders so far. All were large roosters. Two were from "flip" and three
were from the tragic feedsack in trunk incident.

Edited to add this: One of my largest roosters seems to be having leg issues.
He limps on one leg badly. However, he is still servicing the hens quite well
so I'm letting him soldier on for the time being.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

crperdue - where yours freedom rangers too? If so where did youe get them from? And where did yours come from Tim?
Just asking because my meat breeding project boys are well over 15 lbs now without a hint of a problem.

 

[TimG]

Quote:
Mine came from JM Hatchery.

 

[crperdue]

Mine are from JM as well.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

ok . . . so now I wish we could hear from more folks with FR. Those who had flip problems and those who had none and where they came from. I curious because I thought these birds were not supposed to have those issues at all.

 

[TimG]

Quote:
I think JM was the only US supplier of Rangers this year.