Farmfresh
City Biddy
As far as the lost birds you may have an ammonia problem.
These Frankenbirds tend to poop and then walk/lay in it until it gets pasted down. The bedding does very little to help out and at chick level the ammonia gets FIERCE.
I will try to fluff my bedding a couple of times every day and add an inch or so on top every other day to keep them dry and help keep ammonia levels down while they are in the brooder.
Just for the record I NEVER use a medicated feed. I usually only lose a bird or two a year when raising them.
The start hot - finish cool autumn session is the ONLY way to raise them IMO. So much easier. My birds are currently ranging quite nicely as well.
These Frankenbirds tend to poop and then walk/lay in it until it gets pasted down. The bedding does very little to help out and at chick level the ammonia gets FIERCE.
I will try to fluff my bedding a couple of times every day and add an inch or so on top every other day to keep them dry and help keep ammonia levels down while they are in the brooder.
Just for the record I NEVER use a medicated feed. I usually only lose a bird or two a year when raising them.
The start hot - finish cool autumn session is the ONLY way to raise them IMO. So much easier. My birds are currently ranging quite nicely as well.