Chick to Traeger in 8 weeks **WEEK 3**

March 13-19 (Week 3)

 

Remember when I told you I bought 450lbs of food for these chickens? You were probably thinking that is SO much food, those chicks will never eat all that! Just to give you an idea of how much food these 26 little guys eat, I started feeding 20% feed March 3, and on March 12 they finished off 50lbs of food (10 days)... WHEW! Just think if they were eating 24 hours a day!!

They're growing so fast, it's really hard to believe they're just babies - a mere 3-1/2 weeks old. They're pretty heavy for their age and they're starting to feather out noticeably now. Not sure yet how many cockerels or pullets I ended up with, but won't be long before we will know.

 

March 16 (19 days old)
 

March 16

 

On March 13 we started on 18% feed (remember that I'm switching feed every 50lbs). As you can see, I also upgraded to galvanized water & feeder - actually bought 2 of each as I will be using them in the future for these guys. I snagged a piece of unistrut from my husband - this worked really well to suspend the feeders off the ground. This way the chickens are not able to lay down and eat... they had to work for their food - I made them stand up to eat & drink!

 

March 15 the pen got enlarged to 4'x4' square. See the barn quilt in the back? I painted it (my first one, not my best one!) The name of the pattern is called "Shoo Fly"... think it will work?????  : )

I am really liking the stall pellets for bedding with this flock. It doesn't stick to everything like pine shavings, and settles like dust in the fount, not a matted mess. I use the Natures Bedding brand... i use it in the coop for my laying hens and have been very satisfied with the absorption, ease of use and quick composting qualities.

 

Week 3 complete, and all is well.
Count: 26 birds

PEAS OUT!
~GP