That Quail Place Forum
Raising Gamebirds => Brooding and Raising => Topic started by: 333_okh on April 19, 2008, 09:59:23 PM
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How soon after hatching can I move my red junglefowl chicks to the brooder box ??? I have four of them in the incubator now threashing all the eggs around like nobody's business. WOW! These are active little buggers!
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Well like quails, it's all preferrence. You can move them whenever. I usually wait for a clutch of 3-5. And yes, they do thrash the other eggs around. c29
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seems like since these three bruts came out the other eggs are not pipping or chipping the eggs anymore, but I cannot keep track of the eggs either since they have moved from one sie to the other.
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Did you not mark your egg sides?
The eggs will be fine no matter what side they are on.
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they are marked, but I was keeping track of what eggs had chips and to what extent...overkill I know.
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Way back when I used incubators, I used to set the eggs in/on a rubber O-ring to help prevent that from happening. When the other eggs roll, the un-hatched chick can sometimes drown.
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I agree with Reeves, the first chicks that was hatching in my new incubator last year drown like this. Has I have an Hova-Bator, I put the eggs that are supposed to hatch in something to keep the chicks away from the turner and in the same way, it keep the shells scrap away from clean eggs.
Good luck :wink:
Frank
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Frank...you shouldn't incubate and hatch in the same machine. Different humidities required and then there is the bacteria issue to be very concerned about.
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Not to mention all that nasty mess you have to clean up plus the dust that gets on all the other eggs left in there.
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As I understand it, the general rule is 24 hours BUT....
There are people that turn eggs by hand 3 times or more a day. there are also those that candle eggs during the incubation period several times. which means the temp changes
Provided there aren't too many eggs in the oven and even though some may not agree, What I've done myself is: be sure there are no cool air drafts then move those that have hatched out, when completely dry, to a brooder. you'll have to guess at that. Those that are bouncing off the walls are giving strong signs of being dry
When doing so, take out the empty egg shells and do what ever else as quickly as possible. I've helped those having a hard time hatch out the rest of the way too but it is best to allow them to do it them selves when ever possible.
Chicks do get tired and rest while still in the shell
Unfortunately, some do appear to drown.. they're perfectly normal and die in their shell but for me its always been low percentage.
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Well thy have occupied my office for now. The room is a constant 82 degrees. The brooder is 92 degrees, and the incubator is 100.9-101.4 still air. No possible drafts. It has however made my office awful to surf the Internet on! LOL....Dammit it is humid in here.
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Thanks guys. They are all doing well. I have another batch of 12 and then another of 13 in the incubator. I will be putting 16 more in soon from different bloodlines.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1000923.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1000912.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1000906.jpg)
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Congratulations !
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Congrats 333_okh, those are the cutest and most eye-catching chicks i have ever seen.
Good Luck with them!!
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I hope the next 51 are as good as these !!!
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Is the "brooder" temp OK ?
You have two of them looking at the temp gage !
s020
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Is the "brooder" temp OK ?
You have two of them looking at the temp gage !
s020
Too funny! The Oregon Scientific monitor transmits back to a base station. It give me humidity and temp. The problem is the monitor has a tiny red light that flashes when it updates every ten seconds. Those little junglefowl try and peck it each time it flashes. As you can see they sometimes wait to peck at it.
Temp runs a cool 90 with 50% humidity.
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Funny, them waiting for it :grin:
Was using a lazer/flash light thing today to drive the Cats nuts !
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They attacked and ate a spider yesterday that went to the brooder for warmth.
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Looks like they will be staying indoors for now. I will transfer them to the larger wooden brooder pen when the weather makes up it's mind. For now they are brown boxing it.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1000984.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1000985.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1000986.jpg
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mealworm treats....oh my! They tore them to pieces and fought for every bight. Good thing I bought 500 of them.
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Have you tried crickets yet ? Are Grass hoppers out down your way yet ?
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No crickets or grasshopers. My wife has a phobia for crickets. Long story about mean brothers locking her in a basement.
I think the mealworms will work for now. I did not expect them to go so nuts over them.
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Keep a very sharp eye out for toe picking.
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I have been looking out for the toe picking since the toes look like mealworms.
Another question :?: I had 6 eggs that came from another pair, but only one was fertile and it hatched today. This makes him a lot younger than the others. Currently he is in a brooder by himself. What should I do with him? Can he go in with the older ones at some point soon?
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If you can put them in separate boxes side by side, or even better, in one, but separated by wire, they should, in time get along, fine. Don't forget to have feeders/waterers on both sides of partition.
You could try putting them together, at first, but only while you can stand right there, to referee. Either way, dim lights will help (with toe picking, also).
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The are together now nd appear to be doing fine.
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I was wondering.....
Given their true nature, how wild are they acting..? ?
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They are a little on the insane side. They tend to flush like little quail when I walk in the room. They are currently in a 3 foot by 3 1/2 foot box that is 28 inches high with a wire top.
I was further amazed how fast they got flight feathers!
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Thanks for answering.... sorry about the delayed response..
Thats good to hear, I hope everything works out for you... ^-^
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Just a few more pictures. I have more starting to hatch today.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010005.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010005.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010006.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010006.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010007.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010007.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010008.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010008.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010009.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010009.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010010.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010010.jpg)
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s98
Thanks for the pics!
Are those 100% pure like those ones I seen for sale a while back? ^-^ :grin:
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It's a good thing we don't have any trouble makers around here!
I bet they're pure enough to shoot and eat. Probably be great fun with a flushing dog. Probably drive a pointing breed to drink. If that idea works out, I'd pay to try it out some day.
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Great pictures!!
Those are really beautiful amazing chicks, their feathering out very nicely. Good luck on them!
s98
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s98
Thanks for the pics!
Are those 100% pure like those ones I seen for sale a while back? ^-^ :grin:
They are as pure as the free Lab puppy at the grocery store! LOL. Like another member I have some that are San Diego Zoo stock [shown], I have chicks hatching today that are from two commercial strains, and another to hatch in a week or so that is a cross between another private breeder and the SD Zoo birds. Recently I go a batch of eggs from Virginia that is a cross of Old English Game [1/4] and the red jungle fowl [in incubator also].
Other than the OEGxRJF [other than one trio will go to a local farm] the plan is that these will all be breed together to develop a strain of locally hardy RFJ that will roost in the trees at night to avoid the 4-legged predators. They will then occupy a couple of remote ranches where regular chickens cannot persist and at least one hunting lodge will use them on the grounds with the peafowl. We will later see about developing a gamebird hunting strain.
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s98
Thanks for the pics!
Are those 100% pure like those ones I seen for sale a while back? ^-^ :grin:
I watched that thread with joy, but I am glad it is over. I see more of it on gbwf.com.....
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Sounds as though you're on a mission and hope that it works out well for you. Sounds interesting. I'd like to have some tree roosting free roaming chickens that would lay their eggs in a predetermined location. Let me know if you ever run across such a beast. :grin:
It's a good thing we don't have any trouble makers around here!
No trouble intended, just a couple grins! ^-^
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Sounds as though you're on a mission and hope that it works out well for you. Sounds interesting. I'd like to have some tree roosting free roaming chickens that would lay their eggs in a predetermined location. Let me know if you ever run across such a beast. :grin:
It's a good thing we don't have any trouble makers around here!
No trouble intended, just a couple grins! ^-^
That is a tall order. Maybe these Old English Game and RJF crosses?
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Tripple three, you have got to keep us up-dated on your birds/how ell they do set loose in the wild. I'm very interested in how it works out.
I will not be doing so, just interested.
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Reeves...
I will keep everyone posted. The first to get turned loose will be the crosses since they will be on a typical farm.
I think I need one or two more bloodlines and I am good to start a selective breeding program next year.
Some of this year birds will go to a remote ranch to forage around the ranch house grounds. Chickens never have lasted long there. The peafowl have though.
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Okay, I need to build that pen soon. I have a half-way house of a brooder, but I have 25 minorcas coming on the 12th, plus here are the 8 hatchers from the 9 eggs. I am not giving up on that last egg yet! I have 11 in another brooder box from the 1st hatch as seen above.
I still have a batch of 11 more RJF hatching on the 12th, and 16 of the OE Game x RJF for the 15th, not to mention the bobwhite half dozen on the 15th and the 9 araucanas on the 20th.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/batch30508.jpg)
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333_okh what about a hawk problem, them no good things just love chicken for dinner and of course the DNR doesn't like it if something happens to there birds
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Still a major concern. I have read that with the red junglefowl it is essential to keep the right number of roosters to hens. The rooster's job is the lookout. In otherwords do not thin the roosters out too much.
OWLS: The great-horned owl is something I do not know how to combat.....legally.
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Legal, Schmegal!
If you had a few pet crows, their calling might bring in others. Put out a little corn. This should keep the owls away from a small area (such as pens). Out in the "wild", you'll need to me more aggressive. Maybe plant scattered corn patches? Crow decoys? Con neighbors a mile, or two away into raising Chinchillas, rabbits, and white rats?
As far as right at your pens, even in Kalifornica, you can protect your property, and "pets". You may have to bend over backward, then forward, exhausting "less drastic" methods, before using the ones that are effective.
Dress a Jack Russel in a chicken suit. He'll be so pissed, by the time an owl comes along, it will be a short event.
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"Dress a Jack Russel in a chicken suit. He'll be so pissed, by the time an owl comes along, it will be a short event."
If nothing else the visual of this made me laugh.
As a WLDF biologist the rules are not very flexiable in Kalifornia, including Fish and Game Code 3503.5 which prohibits the killing of any owl, without regard to livestock. They have a higher list status than other species covered under the 'fully protected' clause of state law.
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Congrats on those little guys.
The ones I ordered arrived today and they are very nice looking. I got 6 and hope they turn out great. Lets hope we can stay connected so we can exchange birds next time yeah?
Wanna say HI to all by the way
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333 you know anybodys got jfowls for sell?
prefer grown, but chicks or eggs ok
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I do not. I have been getting eggs. Try o nof the hatcheries like Welp, Inc.
http://www.welphatchery.com/rare/jungle_fowl.asp
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333 you know anybodys got jfowls for sell? prefer grown, but chicks or eggs ok
Theres been a few different sellers over on egg.bid from the east coast selling RJF & GJF. If you're interested, you'll find them in the listings for eggs under pheasants - Theres a dozen listed right now - If it were me, I'd ask the seller a few questions before placing a bid but It depends on what you're after - Good Luck !
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I thought i can input some about the eggbid story i heard of. i believe a few weeks back, there was this seller who listed on eggbid for a pair of jungle fowls that looked nothing like jf at all. They look like BBR something but definitely not rjf and he wanted like $120 for the pair or something. Please make sure you cross reference the pictures at least with another source to be safe.
Otherwise, good luck and don't hesitate to call me in if there is more than one being listed. I would love to get some other bloodlines.
The ones I have right now are of the san diego zoo line from Tommy's.
Lovin them :grin:
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I thought i can input some about the eggbid story i heard of. i believe a few weeks back, there was this seller who listed on eggbid for a pair of jungle fowls that looked nothing like jf at all. They look like BBR something but definitely not rjf and he wanted like $120 for the pair or something. Please make sure you cross reference the pictures at least with another source to be safe.
Otherwise, good luck and don't hesitate to call me in if there is more than one being listed. I would love to get some other bloodlines.
The ones I have right now are of the san diego zoo line from Tommy's.
Lovin them :grin:
On the other hand guys could post pic of true rjf but sell others, so, who knows. I will be on several, as well as visiting several swap meets in th midwest so i'd gladly share let you know. send your phone number, i'll let you know (better PM it to me, not sure about rules on listing this site
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p.s. i tried to get some from tommy, but i think he was to busy fssing with others, how are yours doing?
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other than they are aggressive as hell, they are doing fine. Great little birds.
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A QUESTION:
What problems will I have if they go to a ground level cage? Are there issues such with ground parasites such as chukars get?
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This is one area where less pure might be an advantage. Domestic chickens are more disease resistant. Find out if they are big earth worm eaters. If so, Histostat in the feed, or Metronidazole on hand for quick treatment is a good idea (histomaniasis). Otherwise, treat for coccidiosis once a month (3 to 5 day treatments). Worm them monthly. Are you going to put them in same pen where there were Chukars?
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Raising them like chukars on wire may have it's advantages but I'd lean more towards keeping them something like pheasant with plenty of natural plants/cover found locally.
- A copy and paste -
It is difficult to define exactly how to successfully keep and breed red jungle fowl. Depending on the purity of the birds, the methods of keeping this species ranges dramatically. Below are the general requirements to successfully keep and breed pure red jungle fowl.
Source and Description of pen: http://www.wildfowl.uconn.edu/15e6e4db-0656-418a-8464-683b6e68413a-9.html
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Another Method with pics - http://readmtnpheasantry.homestead.com/testimonials.html
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Thanks for the help.....
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The first 11 birds moved to a larger cage in a screen covered side of the barn 15 miles away. They have a warming light and plenty of feed and a caretaker.....my Dad.
I have the 8 from last weekend growing in the larger brooder box in my office and I have 11 coming out Monday [unless they hatch on day 18 again], and then the OE Game x RJF on the 15th and I do not know how many of those were fertile or new, so hatch rate will not be as good as I have been getting which is above 90%
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Oops! I may have killed this batch off when the temp went to 102.2 one night when I left the heater on in the office. Today is the start of day 19 and the other two batches had pipping by now, although these have different roosters in the mix than the last two.
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Betcha a nickel they're OK, Get a lot of extra moisture to them, as per other post.
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Big spender...
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He would have won. I just heard some different chirping from behind me and instead of last weeks chicks it was three eggs pipping in the incubator. They are a day behind the other two batches, but this is the 1st clutches from a cross of the SD Zoo [my 1st batch], and two commercial bought strains [my 2nd batch]. The others were a sound 18 1/2 to 19 days. These are at 19 1/2 now.
Next batch is the OE Game and Junglefowl crosses from Virginia
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Damn, I'm good!
Egg age, shipping, storage temperature incubation temperature and humidity variation strain difference=1day variation
That's no big deal. Ever wonder why hens are so "broody"?
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Ever wonder why hens are so "broody"?
Tell us. Don't forget to include the reason(s) for my Golden male.
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Ever wonder why hens are so "broody"?
Tell us. Don't forget to include the reason(s) for my Golden male.
Yes, Please do, inquiring minds want to know. j45 for my Melanistic male of course.
I know why women are so moody,,,,,,,,,,,, j45 j45 just check the dates s020
Ho hummmmmmmm It is raining outside and there is nothing to do.... s176
Steve
Pheasant Hollow Farm
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SUPER SLUGGISH chicks getting out? Those three made it, but only with my help this worning....I know I shouldnt do that, but....They had given up.
I have two more pipping, and they have been since midnight last night. No progress o nthe egg since then.
Could I have baked them a little causing this sluggishness?
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Could I have baked them a little causing this sluggishness?
Maybe, but more likely humidity loss, when Temp went up. Almost the same thing, huh?
Spraying with hot water (as in the posts by the fellow with the hovabator last night) is about all the help I give them, most times, unless I have a couple of dozen struggling hard, and the time to deal with weak chicks. Some times with this many, you can save 8- 10, so you feel like you've accomplished something. But sometimes the stop fighting, then find a burst of energy, and "poof" a healthy chick. I have found them in the trash box 24 hour + after cleaning the hatcher!
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these are batch 4 and 5. 5 is not done hatching yet.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/batch405081.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/batch40508.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/batch505081.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/batch50508.jpg
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I ended up with 7 out of 9 eggs for batch 5.
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C O N G R A T S j1
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I ended up with 7 out of 9 eggs for batch 5.
Another 20-30 batches like that, and you won't hardly fret at all! s020
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my next batch out are from mail shipped eggs that took one hell of a beating to get here from Virgina. They were well packaged, but the package looked like it was used for a frisby. I lost three of the 18 eggs already due to leakeages that I could not see the cracks when they went into the incubator. I am hoping for a few to hatch at least.
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I have two batches of chicks, one of 8 and one of 7. Can I put them together?
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Using caution, common sense and observation, sure. Get it on video, just in case.
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Did you have to separate them, again?
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nope....the little ones are kicking the big ones asses! What is up with that?
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Told you to get video! Everyone likes pictures. Did you put the little ones in the brooder first? Other than that, I would guess genetics. (Like Stallone's answer to Kirk Russell in Tango and Cash.).
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I have the week old chicks in a larger box with rocks/roosts but still under heated light. The little ones went from the brooder to this location with the other birds, then they kicked the big ones rears to establish that they did not appreciate getting poked at. All seems fine now.
NEW PROBLEM:
I have three new born Old English Game X Red Junglefowl crossed chicks that came out last night and today. They appear a lot more aggressive than the RJF from the commercial breeders that are currently in the big brooder box....should I????
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Not without video !! lol
Keep them separate, but equal. Try the trick of having them side by side, but separated. They usually imprint on each other, and get comfortable with each other. Since they are all chickens (more or less) they should at least tolerate each other, in time. On the other hand, I have had Rhode Island Reds literally gut Cornish cross hens, so be vigilant. If pen is large enough they should be fine, in time.
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these RJF have amazing natural instinct that I only see in quail and pheasants. They flush, are extremelt carnivorous, they sleep in the same arrangment as bobwhite with rump in facing out....etc etc....
I thought they were just pretty chickens, but now realize how wrong I was.
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is this a free for all project or will you be doing selective breeding ?
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Selective. They are all being banded as per thier type. I will go about breeding them in a year or two after I see what strains thrive in our climate. I need adaptive birds. Two days ago we had a high of 68 and yesterday and today were over 100. RH went from 30% to 70%.....unusual, but we do get it. i worry more of the snow in the higher mtns over 3000 feet.
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The weather is the same here. Thanks for the reply !
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The weather is the same here.
That's because you're neighbors.
Unless you have large pockets of land that stay covered in snow, I doubt your winters will be a big problem. In 3-4 generations they will probably adapt well, even if the first ones struggle.
You can handle, them and spend a lot of time with them, to calm them, as long as you are using them as breeders. I would suggest staying away from any you plan to release, as much as possible.
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They will not be handled much.
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I figured you knew that, in fact, it may well have been mentioned in this thread. I'm just to lazy to look. Also, useful advice should be repeated from time to time. And, I would rather have someone say "hell, I know that!" than have them say "why the hell didn't you tell me that?"
It will be interesting to see which combination is the wildest, also. Intuition might make one think those closer to "Wild Jungle Fowl" would win out. However, with Quail at least, and I believe with Pheasant, the mixes tend to be more flighty.
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So, how long until I can put them out in the outdoor Hoop Coop?
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I wonder why nobody is answering this ? hmmm is it possible you already know and have to much doubt ? In general, 6 to 12 weeks sometimes a little more - The rules I use are when they've feathered up, sufficient numbers and the weather allows it.
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I really didnt know. I was advised on another page last night to go for 8 weeks with htis species.
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I wonder why nobody is answering this ? hmmm is it possible you already know and have to much doubt ? In general, 6 to 12 weeks sometimes a little more - The rules I use are when they've feathered up, sufficient numbers and the weather allows it.
I changed that msg about four times.. I ment no offense.. I'm under the impression that you know more then you give your self credit for..
I have raised game fowl of a different sort. 6 to 12 weeks is what I went for.
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Hoop Coop
***Why won't Photobucket work here any longer?***
try this at the bottom:
http://groups.msn.com/RedJungleFowl/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=1459&LastModified=4675675056826841829
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Looks like your on your way to a nice set up...
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So, how long until I can put them out in the outdoor Hoop Coop?
Sorry, I sent an answer, but have been having computer blackouts (yes, the computer, not operator).
Once you have the brooder temperature down to the lowest temperature expected at night. You could put heat source in the coop, to hurry them along. don't forget to be sure oil glands are working well, first.
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Oil glands? Please explain how this works into the equation?
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You want them to be as water resistant as possible. Chicks can have problems if they get too cold, but cold and wet are usually disastrous. Even being wet at temperatures they are used to can cause shivering and piling. They can even get wet from water troughs, or nipples that are low enough to brush with their backs, and have trouble.
This is general information about game birds, and may apply to varying degree to yours, or poultry.
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thankx
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(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010060.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010060.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010061.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010061.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010062.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010062.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010063.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010063.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010064.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010064.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010065.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010065.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010066.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010066.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010067.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010067.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010068.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010068.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010069.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010069.jpg)
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2" wire is too big. You are going to feed all the predators.
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There is only 2 inch wire on the top, the lower four feet is 1 inch. This is actually more protective than the bantam coop in the same yard that has not lost a chicken yet, but what is going to get into the 2 inch wire? Most of the predators here are too big to climb up four feet and skinny through the 2 inch wire except maybe a skunk?
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You might not have predators now but once you have all those birds out there the predators will draw in from all around. I would worry mostly about raccoons but also Mustelids...the raccoons will rip through the wire and the weasels will go through. You might not have any problems but I would suggest covering the 2" with 1" wire to be safe.
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That's a good idea "333". Maybe you could repost these pics in the "Build it yourself" section?
I know nothing about any "Red Jungle" behavioral characteristics, but even with 1" wire, the coons would eat my quail right through that baby. When I have to do mine over, it will be 1/2". One would think that it was practically impossible for anything to reach through 1" wire in the top center of a 10' tall pen and actually catch and hold onto a bird and eat it through the pen and never damage the wire............it happens.......a bunch!
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Raccoons are around her eand they can be a problem. On occassion we find the body parts of a coon after the dogs get it. The farm is full fenced perimeter and the dogs keep nearly everything four legged away. I went to the field today and found a possum shreaded. Damned terriers.
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Some thoughts..
I would think some of those in the Mustelidae family would be on the list for species of special concern in California. I personally have seen (late at night) either a fisher cat or a marten. This was during the 1980's in Sonoma county, It was more than likely a pine marten but I can't be certain because I thought its fur was too dark for a marten. I'd catch a glimpse in my head lights sometimes as I pulled in and then it was gone. It was never a major problem though it did leave evidence of its presence.
At the time, I had two dogs, a pit bull and a healer cross but they never messed with it unless thats the reason why the pit bull was cut up on the face at times. Yeah, I wondered. I assumed it was responsible for some of the dead free range chickens. Apparently, seeing fisher cat or marten is rare in that area so I left it alone. http://home.mcn.net/~wtu/marten.html
Not to far from where I'm at now we have Badgers (which I think is cool)
http://www.delta.dfg.ca.gov/gallery/badger.asp I'm not saying their near you or a problem, just an addition to this post.
It was announced that a wolverine, a much fiercer, definitely less cuddly animal, a species last seen (dead) in the central Sierra 75 years ago, was photographed scrounging for chicken placed as a lure by a graduate student studying the almost equally elusive marten.
http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2008/03/wolverine_sprin.html
News Release
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/news08/08022.html
Range map of the wolverine
http://sibr.com/mammals/M159.html
As mentioned, this is just some thoughts on some of what may or may not show up involved with raising birds, regardless of their rare appearances, which may be a pointless ramble.
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These conversations are fun for me. I specialize as a wildlife biologist with nearly 20 years experience with the Pacific fisher, and all avian raptors in our area; from the little saw whet owl to the giant golden eagle.
The fisher dare not enter into the open fields of our area into the livestock and farm dogs. Although tough, they are a natural food item of the bobcat, so not so tough. Badgers, yeah we have then in the mountains, but not in the lowland farm fields.
I will let you all know how it goes. I might even set some of the mist netting traps to catch anything that does approach or just the dual sensor camera systems.
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new photos of 29 of the little guys and gals.....
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_0621_20081.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/0621_20081.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_0621_20082.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/0621_20082.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_0621_20083.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/0621_20083.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_0621_20084.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/0621_20084.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_0621_20086.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/0621_20086.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_0621_20088.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/0621_20088.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_0621_2008.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/0621_2008.jpg)
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333_okh,
Interesting hoop design s98 Is this a movable structure,or is this in a fixed location??
Another question, since I am not familiar with the RJF. Do these birds take flight when spook? If so, since the hard Wire(chicken wire) is a wrap around, what are the chances of your birds either breaking their necks, or getting their head and neck caught and hanging them selves?
Steve
Pheasant Hollow Farm
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::)
Yeah.......what he said, I was wondering the same things. a31
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They can be jumpy. There is some chance, but I am hoping the open nature ofhte pen helps. Otherwise, survival of the non-jumpers it will be. The majority of these guys will only be in this movable pen a few more months and then off to a remote location.
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Thanks for the feed back! How is this hoop pen moved to different locations?
Steve
Pheasant Hollow farm
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2-3 men dragging. I can do it by myself, but it is over 300 pounds.
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2-3 men dragging. I can do it by myself, but it is aver 300 pounds.
Again thanks!
Steve
Pheasant Hollow Farm
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Looks good Dan! Where did you get those feeders? Thanks... Tom
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A place called the Global Pigeon Supply Co [Savanna Georgia]. They are cheap and the birds use them well without a lot of waste.
http://www.globalpigeon.com/gps.php?action=showprod&id=26
I am really finding that I like them. The little ones have granite grit in them and the larger ones have food. The white topped ones are for water, but have a removable seal to use as a feeder. They are all listed as waterers.
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Thanks!
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Just a couple more pictures of the growing birds. There are 29 high percentage RJF with three that are 3/4 bred birds. The 3 birds are seperate for now. I will be reducing my flock to a total of 3 roosters and 9 hens, but I will keep the 3 3/4 birds for a while as an experiment.
P.S. there are a couple of other pics for your viewing also. Black-tailed deer and Rio Grande wild turkey
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010003.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010003.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010014.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010014.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010019.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010019.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010022.jpg) (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/P1010022.jpg)
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Great thread !
333 I really like your hoop house, I'd also go with the 1", maybe netting over the 2" ?
I'm in Northeast MI, MANY predators here, winged and four legged so I need a hot wire, it works, from black bears to owls.
At the moment no birds but changing that soon, and for sure next year, had health problems, thats another long story.
But pens are vacant. I've been thinking of RJF, I've liked them for some time.
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What are the dimenssions on your hoop house? This ought to go into the do it yourself section, really nice plan.
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had health problems, thats another long story.
Well, that answers my question. Was wondering about where you had been, a while back. Someone had a question, I figured you'd know about.
s016 BACK !!
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A very Warm s016 s016 s016 back to our resident member, Jake j2
Steve
Pheasant Hollow Farm
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What are the dimenssions on your hoop house? This ought to go into the do it yourself section, really nice plan.
8X12X6 tall
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Thanks guys, its appreciated.
and thanks Dan, thats a pen worth doing. I've got just the area for one.
Do you raise any of your chicks under the RJF hens ?
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These are my first entery into the RJF, but I do not plan on letting them raise the chicks until I have the mix I am looking for of the bloodlines.
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Really nice coop design. I have been trying to come up with something to protect my release pens, looks like I found it. Are those 16' hog panels? I was thinking it would make a great moveable flight pen too. Use 20' hog panels and weld a pipe skid base with doors, tin on the sides and netting on top. Your coop made my day. Thanks
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Dan I was wondering , have any of your hens acted broody, wanting to nest?
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none of my hens have been broody.
I reduced my stock down to 9 hens and 3 roosters. I have one rooster who attacks when ever I go in the pen, but leave sthe other roosters alone.
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here he is....and pissed off..........
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010822.jpg) (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/?action=view¤t=P1010822.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/th_P1010821.jpg) (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p180/SCOPAC495/gamebirds/?action=view¤t=P1010821.jpg)