The Plymouth Rock Breeders thread

[Wynette]

I helped two chicks out of their shells last year (my first hatch) then had to put both down a few days later because they couldn't walk.

I faced the same dilemma this year when two chicks did eventually make it out but couldn't stand up the following day. Nurse them along, or put them down? Wise advice from an expert helped me make the right decision. Thanks, Fred. I needed that little push.

(edited for clarity)

I'm sure we have all "helped" on occasion. I haven't in a very long time. Last hatch, I had 2 chicks that pipped the shell and never even began zipping. It's heartbreaking to me when I see this happening, but I sure don't want to perpetuate any sort of "lazy hatching" genetic. I feel like, since I sell hatching eggs, I want my birds to be as strong as possible so other folks can (hopefully) expect their hatches to go like popcorn popping.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

Quote: Thank you all for your wonderful insight. I have never vaccinated in my 10 years with chickens but got a little carried away thinking about how much $$$ I have spent rebuilding my flock. I'll stick with my Corid if I need it. Wynette, your experiences are so helpful!

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

Quote:

 

[Fred's Hens]

Now that spring has finally sprung, the layers in the breeding pens are cranking out the eggs. They've batted a thousand a couple days in a row. Nice.

Anybody else seeing good laying out their breeders?

I've also noticed the males are randy as well, which I think is a very good thing. Fertility should be peaking about now.
We may have gotten off to a very late start Up North, but we're catching up fast, just like we had hoped.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

Now that spring has finally sprung, the layers in the breeding pens are cranking out the eggs.  They've batted a thousand a couple days in a row.  Nice.  

Anybody else seeing good laying out their breeders?  

I've also noticed the males are randy as well, which I think is a very good thing.  Fertility should be peaking about now.
We may have gotten off to a very late start Up North, but we're catching up fast, just like we had hoped.

Nice Fred. If I am so lucky to get a male from your BR I have decided to name him Fred!

 

[Beekissed]

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

Well.....as most of us now have chicks on the ground (my hatching is FINISHED praise Glory), thoughts turn to raising them and long term goals for what we want to see late summer/early fall.

For me, for the first time ever, I'm going to be putting some pressure on "the paint job" this year. Type is pretty well locked in although there are some minor tweaks here and there that I want to work on.

I have a small group of 8 week olds (5 chicks) and a small group of 7 week olds (5 chicks) that were my first 2 hatches of the year. Here are a few shots of the group last night. Overall I'm pleased with the size ( I like the overall width from front to back) and the fact that they all feathered much quicker this year than in the past. Color is all over the board and I think I have a few that are "too light" in color. I also have one that is a bit smaller that its hatchmates.

 

[speckledhen]

I'm no expert on CRs, but they look pretty good to me, Scott.

I have 5 chicks under Dottie on Day 19 that are out of Rex and his mother and aunts, including two of Dottie's own. This is the first breeding where I've tried close to what Bob Blosl suggested, though sadly, I could not do it with the late Indy, who had superior barring to Rex, who is obviously single factor barred, but a good size and overall form. I candled the eggs when Dottie went on her break and all five have chicks in the air cells so they should begin pipping by the end of the day, I'd think. If one comes out with Dellie coloring and/or pea comb and beard, I'll know that Scout, the Del x EE, got in a lucky shot, but Rex keeps close tabs on the BR hens and they are tough cases for a less-than-alpha male to get hold of, LOL.

 

[Ripster]

Well.....as most of us now have chicks on the ground (my hatching is FINISHED praise Glory), thoughts turn to raising them and long term goals for what we want to see late summer/early fall.

For me, for the first time ever, I'm going to be putting some pressure on "the paint job" this year. Type is pretty well locked in although there are some minor tweaks here and there that I want to work on.

I have a small group of 8 week olds (5 chicks) and a small group of 7 week olds (5 chicks) that were my first 2 hatches of the year. Here are a few shots of the group last night. Overall I'm pleased with the size ( I like the overall width from front to back) and the fact that they all feathered much quicker this year than in the past. Color is all over the board and I think I have a few that are "too light" in color. I also have one that is a bit smaller that its hatchmates.

Scott those little rascals have done some growing since I saw them three weeks ago. They are nice.

Rip

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

Scott those little rascals have done some growing since I saw them three weeks ago. They are nice.

Rip

Thanks Rip....they are about like my teenaged boys.....I can't fill 'em up!