BarredBuff's Homesteading Shenanigans

[BarredBuff]

Thanks Jamie!

Countdown to hatching/deliveries begins!

Ducklings are due soon, I have no clue how many eggs are under her but I know within the next week! So I need to start to try and sell some.............and reduce the adults.

Cornish cross chicks are either due in the morning or Wednesday morning! Meaties! Woohoo!!

 

[Wannabefree]

I have another broody duck sitting on about a dozen mixed xhixken and duck eggs...can't wait to see how THIS one turns out :/ I also have a few chicken eggs in the bator. All delaware's.

 

[BarredBuff]

You must take the chicks when they hatch because she will continue to set duck eggs to.......

 

[BarredBuff]

No ducklings but we have chicks! Sadly we have lost two out of twenty six, Im not totally sure why though. Woohoo for meaties!!

 

[BarredBuff]

Ive lost two more meaties

I should have listened to Jackie Clay and Harvey Ussery..........next year will be regular White Rock cockerels from Mt Healthy.................

 

[FarmerJamie]

I've found with the meaties, having all pullets CX's, I have fewer losses. Two weeks now, and I've only lost 1 out of 36. Only lost 3 of 35 in the last batch.

 

[BarredBuff]

Why do they just randomly drop?

 

[FarmerJamie]

Why do they just randomly drop?

genetics - circulatory systems and skeletal issues caused by the rapid growth. I've found it easier to ease females along that males. Honestly, if I keep it under a 10% loss rate for a batch, I'm okay.

 

[Farmfresh]

I've found with the meaties, having all pullets CX's, I have fewer losses. Two weeks now, and I've only lost 1 out of 36. Only lost 3 of 35 in the last batch.

I buy mine from Welps and have pretty darned good luck, but I prefer the pullets as well. They are more active and grow a bit slower.

BarredBuff wrote:

Why do they just randomly drop?

At first it is usually just defective plumbing. Later their hearts can not keep up with the growth rate. I had one chick prolapse a rectum a day or so in with this batch. It just happens.

Also make sure you have no corners in the brooder. They are highly efficient at smashing and smothering each other. :/

 

[BarredBuff]

Mine are from welp and in a stock tank, hopefully they will straighten up...........