Recent content by my sunwolf

They certainly do look like they have that pattern, but I am no expert. They are beautiful birds, though!

I would introduce the chicks together to the new group, let them get settled, and then cull the scissor beaked one (you can use scissors to cut the head off or have someone else do it). Others would try to save the scissor beaked one by correcting it, but I have never been successful with this...

Sometimes a momma hen will be aggressive enough to protect her chicks, but other times there are birds in the flock that are too aggressive and she will not be able to protect them. It really depends on your flock dynamics. If some of the chicks have already been exposed to the flock and the...

When you're mentioning weights, are you talking about live weight or carcass weight? We use the chart from Meyer: But as with all things chicken, your-mileage-may-vary. We have different batches at different weights all the time. Right now I have birds at 6 weeks that are barely 2lbs, but...

That feed is pretty high protein at 4 weeks, usually by 3 weeks it's recommended to switch them onto 18% protein. That could be one of the reasons you're having faster gains. Sometimes we mix a little 14-16% hog mash (powder) in with a 20-21% feed to get a lower protein. The same can be done...

Are they full sized hens you are talking about? If so, the minimum is 4 sq ft each, but the ideal is 10 sq ft each. We have kept docile hens in tractors with 8 sq ft each and they have been very happy. Anything smaller than that and even the sweetest of hens can get aggressive with each other...

Are they pullets or cockerels? What are you feeding them? I would stick with 8 weeks for convenience's sake. You probably won't get more than 6lbs of bird at 8 weeks regardless of other factors. Usually, when pasture raising and free ranging, we have to let them go 10+ weeks to have 5-6lb...

I agree, EE is most likely!

We've had similar problems. I've actually had a few times where the hens were so stressed out being in confinement, especially with the roosters but without them as well, that they would just quit laying. So much for breeding! So I'm curious as to how others have dealt with this situation.

You can put a regular 60 watt bulb over them and watch their behavior to see if they like the temp. I've always kept my ducklings a little cooler than the chicks, but if you do let them swim they need more heat to dry off in.

I still think it's an EE, they sell bantam versions at most hatcheries.

Easter Egger pullet!

Shredded newspaper in a rubber tote is great for only a few ducks! We used to give the ducks a big glass or ceramic pan that they can swim in and drink out of. You have to clean it out a few times a day but the ducks are always happy. For a feeder just use a shallow dish. There is a lot of mess...

Yep, looks like mild scaly leg mites. I would keep applying vaseline and/or a liquid permethrin.

I had this happen with multiple hatches, turned out my temperature was creeping up when I wasn't looking to 101 or 102, then coming back down. Obviously my incubator doesn't work too well. I've found that it has gotten worse over time, as I used to have okay hatches but with each subsequent...