Gosh, I can't wait until I can be doing something similar to this! Our ABCs are almost 6 weeks old, and it's our first flock so I'm not sorting the 20. BUT I'm noticing traits and seeing a couple of roosters growing faster, etc. Thanks for giving us a peek into the process!!!
I would have saved myself some headaches if I had started off weighing and sorting. At processing time early on in our flock we would have carcasses weighing less than 3lbs. At 16 weeks old, that's a small yield for the space/feed to get them to that age. I was able to trace it back to undersized hens and it changed my whole outlook on when to do what.
@@arcadianorchard Wow. Thank you. I had it backwards 🤪 So for someone like me who has 20 chicks and no separate pens (yet), maybe leg band the under achievers to put with the layer flock maybe?
The stacked brooder is converted shelving, that came with a 1/2" thick plastic shelf lining. The rest of the brooders that we built have plywood, which I prefer to cover with linoleum for easier cleaning/sanitizing.
Only started stock as available and that wait list got crazy long last year. No eggs/chicks, since we're still working on flock development and the rate of cull is high.
Thank you, I'll check with you again later in the year then. I received 1 Rooster and 3 hens (starter birds) yesterday, but the legs are very light in color. They are 6 weeks on so do you think they will darken up anymore?
Love this. We'll be hatching our first AB next spring so this helps our planning immensely, thank you!
Gosh, I can't wait until I can be doing something similar to this! Our ABCs are almost 6 weeks old, and it's our first flock so I'm not sorting the 20. BUT I'm noticing traits and seeing a couple of roosters growing faster, etc. Thanks for giving us a peek into the process!!!
I would have saved myself some headaches if I had started off weighing and sorting. At processing time early on in our flock we would have carcasses weighing less than 3lbs. At 16 weeks old, that's a small yield for the space/feed to get them to that age. I was able to trace it back to undersized hens and it changed my whole outlook on when to do what.
@@arcadianorchard Wow. Thank you. I had it backwards 🤪 So for someone like me who has 20 chicks and no separate pens (yet), maybe leg band the under achievers to put with the layer flock maybe?
@@lmullens75 Yes. Either legband the best or the worse so that you know when they're older.
Thanks!
Thank you!
What's wrong with dark legs,?
Nothing at all, they are desired in American Bresse and it's one of the traits I'm selecting hard for this year.
What material is the floor of the cage?
The stacked brooder is converted shelving, that came with a 1/2" thick plastic shelf lining. The rest of the brooders that we built have plywood, which I prefer to cover with linoleum for easier cleaning/sanitizing.
@Arcadian Orchard... What what does it mean if an AB hatches with blue legs?
They'll likely turn darker, sooner. It's just variations within the genetics.
Do you ship eggs?
Not at this time, still working out flock kinks so that you wouldn't experience my same rate of cull.
Do you sell and ship birds?
Only started stock as available and that wait list got crazy long last year. No eggs/chicks, since we're still working on flock development and the rate of cull is high.
Thank you, I'll check with you again later in the year then. I received 1 Rooster and 3 hens (starter birds) yesterday, but the legs are very light in color. They are 6 weeks on so do you think they will darken up anymore?
@@papawsplace Possibly, it can vary by line.
What type of broiler mash do you feed? Thx you
It's made by Kalmbach, a 20% flock grower
@@arcadianorchard thank you!! A friend is saving me some fertile eggs to set. Good video.