The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I've had such good luck in the past that I take these things very hard.

I don't generally lose any either, but if they pass within that first week it's generally from them getting chilled or stressed during shipping. Failure to thrive generally happens from 2 weeks to 2 months and is often from an internal birth defect.

Mine come in 2 weeks.

 

[seminolewind]

I think I've had the best luck with my own hatches. And also the best luck with the Marek's vaccine myself too. Does anyone else feel like their own hatches are better?

 

[getaclue]

They have plenty of lakes up there, in some areas. Bass, and speckled perch (crappies) are delicious too. Worms work. Something else I have used, and it works well too, is dough balls. Get a slice of bread, pinch a piece of the white soft center, roll it into a dough ball, and put it on the end of the hook.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I think I've had the best luck with my own hatches. And also the best luck with the Marek's vaccine myself too. Does anyone else feel like their own hatches are better?

They are definitely stronger right off the bat in my experiences.

 

[seminolewind]

I don't generally lose any either, but if they pass within that first week it's generally from them getting chilled or stressed during shipping. Failure to thrive generally happens from 2 weeks to 2 months and is often from an internal birth defect.

Mine come in 2 weeks.

I hope your babies do well!
Maybe it is the stress of shipping. I need to ship because I already have 6 roosters and can't take anymore at this time. I do love hatching my own!

 

[getaclue]

Of course your own hatches are better. They're not mishandled like at the hatchery, they're not mishandled in shipping, and they're not mishandled by feed store employees.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Of course your own hatches are better. They're not mishandled like at the hatchery, they're not mishandled in shipping, and they're not mishandled by feed store employees.

I'm surprised any make it to me alive. They sure go through the ringer.

 

[getaclue]

I don't vaccinate my chickens, and won't. They are not closed vaccines, don't do what they claim, and give a false sense of security. In addition, a couple of the chicken diseases would have probably been eradicated by now, instead of mutating to several strains, had it not been for open chicken vaccines.

 

[seminolewind]

Oooh! aside from chicks I've been really busy using my "new" post hole digger - battery operated. That thing can break your arm if you're not careful. I dig a lot of post holes in my life. The clay soil here is murder and I need the help of this hole digger.
I also go an electric rototiller. Works great, but the clay soil here is a killer. Can't wait to till some aged horse manure in.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't vaccinate my chickens, and won't. They are not closed vaccines, don't do what they claim, and give a false sense of security. In addition, a couple of the chicken diseases would have probably been eradicated by now, instead of mutating to several strains, had it not been for open chicken vaccines.

I don't vaccinate either. We cull sick birds. It keeps the flock healthier in my opinion, but it's definitely a personal choice.