We like our new digs!

[jemmasgrandma]

I just moved the meaties (2 weeks 2 days old) to their new coop...they quickly outgrew the brooder that I had set up plus it got super stinky quick! They didn't know what to do with all the new space but it didn't take long for them to start running and stretching their wings. So glad the move is over, Ill keep them inside for another week and then let them out to wander around.

All 50 are doing great, I lost 2 the first week and a few of them had leg problems a couple of days ago, but they seem to be getting back to normal. I feed 12 hrs on 12 hrs off. I have 3 that are runts, maybe they will catch up we'll see...

 

[chickenboy21]

i dont kno how long you plan to raise them or how big you want them... but having there food availabilty on and off will cause them to over eat each time you put feed out for them... thus they will grow bigger faster... otherwise goodluck

 

[jaku]

Quote:
Cornish X's have health problems if you feed them 24/7, so it taking their food away at night is recommended.

 

[jemmasgrandma]

I've been taking their food away at night for about a week now. I debated back & forth about it but after reading what others do it seems like most feel that it's better for them. Besides, don't they overeat anyway

 

[jaku]

Haha, just wait! It's not too bad for the first few weeks. Soon you'll have to create a diversion when feeding them to avoid getting attacked!

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

lol oh they will over eat! but that's what you want with CX.
I too agree with 12 on 12 off feed.

 

[mstricer]

Quote:
not removing their food will cause them to eat constantly thus all the problems happen

 

[chickenboy21]

Quote:
not removing their food will cause them to eat constantly thus all the problems happen

I raised broilers this past summer and whenever i went out to their coop i never saw them standing around eating, they were all laying down.... when and if i took their feeder out for a while and then put it back they all acted as if they were starved and ate and ate and ate to the point that i didnt even think they were hungry... i know someone who works for perdue and he said they tend to over-eat when you take their food away for a while... otherwise they would just eat when they are hungry and not necessarily over-eat

 

[jemmasgrandma]

23 days old! They're doing great, the ones I weighed were well over 1 lb except for one little guy, he was 13oz. I still remove the feed at night, and feed them right away in the morning. ...always have fresh water available for them, I just talked to a guy this afternoon that lost all of his meaties (25) when they were 4 weeks old because he left for a few days and the neighbor didn't keep their waterers full. They were all dead when he came home

Scheduled their "time" at the butcher today...

 

[bigredfeather]

For my last several batches I've quit taking away feed at night. I haven't had any problems. I think the difference is I have them out on a thickly covered clover pasture and I feed a very complete feed. I am of the opinion if you give them the correct amount of vitamins/nutrients, their legs and organs can keep up with their rapid growth, thus avoiding leg problems and CHF. I haven't had a flip this year and I've raised close to 500 of this year.