The Moonshiner's Leghorns

[thecatumbrella]

We brood for the first 2 weeks or so in two big stock tanks, then the chicks go in the wire bottomed brooders that are about 3’x3’ approximately in each section. We make sure not to overcrowd and once they outgrow those they go outdoors to the 8x8 or 10x6 grow out pens. From those they are turned out to free range once they are 6-8 weeks old until time to pen up breeders. The rest remain free ranging, and extra roosters are butchered.

We finally upgraded to a 3x8 stock tank brooder, and it is an absolute dream. Also works in a pinch if we need to bring birds inside. You certainly seem very generous on space!

How many chicks are sharing the space? I'm wondering if more chicks = more of a chance to get troublemakers or bad apples on the feather picking.

 

[KF0002]

We finally upgraded to a 3x8 stock tank brooder, and it is an absolute dream. Also works in a pinch if we need to bring birds inside. You certainly seem very generous on space!

How many chicks are sharing the space? I'm wondering if more chicks = more of a chance to get troublemakers or bad apples on the feather picking.

Never more than I would say 12-15 in the indoor brooders max per brooder, maybe 20 max starting out at 2 weeks old, but we are constantly shuffling them around to give them plenty of space as they grow. The bad apples are the Game chickens and they have taught their bad habits to the Leghorns. None of the more gentle breeds I have raised ever feather picked, like the Legbars, Marans, Olive Eggers, etc. The Games are just aggressive right out of the gate.

 

[NagemTX]

This is the energizer I have.

 

[KF0002]

This is the energizer I have.
View attachment 4146039

Hopefully that helps, but definitely keep your shotgun ready.

 

[KF0002]

The oldest Red x Brown had a scuffle with a little Game stag half his age. The Leghorn won for now, but give the little Game another month or so. lol. They are fiesty little things.

 

[KF0002]

Nothing good ever comes out of fighting over a hoe.

 

[KF0002]

 

[NagemTX]

Well weather turned shitty. Working in the rain then the humidity after that sucks.

Going to have to order the dog proof coon traps. Closest store with it is 50miles away. Will be trying to get wire for the energizer and clips. It's going on the chain link fence.

 

[KF0002]

Well weather turned shitty. Working in the rain then the humidity after that sucks.

Going to have to order the dog proof coon traps. Closest store with it is 50miles away. Will be trying to get wire for the energizer and clips. It's going on the chain link fence.

I sure hope your luck turns around. Mine hasn't been great either. My laptop for school died this evening and I had to run out tonight and get a new one.

 

[NagemTX]

The two pens everyone is stuffed are nice and secure.

Rain all day today. Sigh.