BellaM
Chirping
Hi everyone,
Feedback please ...
It's the 5th time I'm raising meat birds from day old and I've always experienced "unexplained" deaths i.e I'll just find a dead bird in the shed.
I buy from a reputable supplier, I use quality feed (starter, grower and finisher). I use shavings (deep litter method), putting down a fresh layer twice a day. I also give them fresh water twice a day. I raise one batch a year.
I add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a dash of spices (cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper) to every 3rd or 4th bucket.
The birds appear to be healthy - active and bright eyed, no diarrhoea (occasionally there'll be one or two slightly runny poos but nothing consistent). It's also definitely not overcrowding.
Regarding the dead birds, they don't have dirty bums and there's no indication of illness prior to death. I haven't opened them up though.
I've asked around and the general consensus is heart failure BUT my sister-in-law shared a batch with me and hasn't had any deaths (at 5 weeks) and I've had 4.
What am I doing wrong?
Feedback please ...
It's the 5th time I'm raising meat birds from day old and I've always experienced "unexplained" deaths i.e I'll just find a dead bird in the shed.
I buy from a reputable supplier, I use quality feed (starter, grower and finisher). I use shavings (deep litter method), putting down a fresh layer twice a day. I also give them fresh water twice a day. I raise one batch a year.
I add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a dash of spices (cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper) to every 3rd or 4th bucket.
The birds appear to be healthy - active and bright eyed, no diarrhoea (occasionally there'll be one or two slightly runny poos but nothing consistent). It's also definitely not overcrowding.
Regarding the dead birds, they don't have dirty bums and there's no indication of illness prior to death. I haven't opened them up though.
I've asked around and the general consensus is heart failure BUT my sister-in-law shared a batch with me and hasn't had any deaths (at 5 weeks) and I've had 4.
What am I doing wrong?