Hatching chicks first time questions!

[Scarlet]

Kathy, what was your hatch? 5 boys and 1 girl?

[Bill HH]

When we were producing large volumes the cocks were a real problem, remember this was in the 50,s and 60,s and things were different then but we put them into hessian sacks and drowned them in large tubs and gave them to a pig farmer for pig food.I know it sounds awful now.Later they produced gassing equipment which was more humane.
Despite this my father was not a cruel man, when you produce large numbers you get quite a few deformed chicks, no eyes, three legs etc and he was often asked to supply these to fair grounds etc but he refused and put them down himself. Also many request for cocks to feed live to snakes which made him quite angry.

[Scarlet]

I think it's easy to frown on when you're on the other side of the fence. When my brother was a kid he always kept snakes (funnily my son does too!) anyway said brother decides he'll keep mice to breed for food - we had 100's of them! I'm not sure how my Dad sorted it it but he had to get rid off the lot quick before they multiplied again. Nowadays you can't feed "live mice" to snakes, it's not allowed!! they come frozen.

[kathyd]

Kathy, what was your hatch? 5 boys and 1 girl?

Yup, 'fraid so. Almost reconciled to getting rid of one of the remaining 2, but I'm still stalling

[Scarlet]

He's only young at the moment, they get worse as the full breeding season is upon us. Do it now before he gives you an injury.

[kathyd]

He's only young at the moment, they get worse as the full breeding season is upon us. Do it now before he gives you an injury.

Yes but.... I know I know, I'm going to regret it aren't I ? It's just that he seems to have settled down a lot at the moment...

[Scarlet]

I won't tell you 'I told you so' next month honest!

[muddled]

I've had a five to one hatch too.

The thing I struggle with is that the chicks that happily rush towards you, that eat from your hand and sit on your lap......the one that you're sure 'recognises' you and 'talks' to you....

I guarantee you, that's the boy.

Our excess boys went to someones freezer at 15 weeks.
But they were 15 very happy weeks.

[Scarlet]

The thing I struggle with is that the chicks that happily rush towards you, that eat from your hand and sit on your lap......the one that you're sure 'recognises' you and 'talks' to you....

I guarantee you, that's the boy.

Yes, that's the heartbreaking bit the girls are the timid ones. Although I've learnt my lesson time and time again im a push over when they come foe a cuddle and some food. I keep light Sussex - traditional breed they get culled around 24 weeks sometimes later for my freezer. I think it's 6months better than being killed at a day old. I'd keep more if they weren't so aggressive.