Major-ret
4 posts
Jul 23, 2005
8:05 AM
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I am such a rookie - I have 3, 14 day squabs that I thought they could be put on the floor of the breeders loft. It is a 4 foot by 7 foot with a bottom box that is 14X24 inch. Above is the other nestings and I have 4 pairs of birds. So I'm watching the babies and sure enough a rowdy cock goes in and starts pecking the babies. I don't believe he was the parent of anyone of these and no bird came to their rescue. 2 of the young are from the same parents. I put them back in their respective nesting baxes and all is fine. Did I put them on the floor to soon? I thought about a cane to thump the trouble maker but didn't.
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highroller
37 posts
Jul 23, 2005
8:28 AM
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Many others have encountered similar troubles with putting young on the floor. An agressive cock can be a pain and most advise not breeding from him because he will produce more of the same. I aslo wonder if babies crouching on the floor look like squatting hens to them, I've had cocks try to mate them. Some options are to make your nest boxes large enough to put a divider in and have two nests, or to have twice as many nest boxes as pairs. One for the current babies and one for the new clutch the parents lay before the current babies are weaned. I usually start putting some feed in the nest box by the babies when they show interest in pecking at things. At about 3 1/2 to 4 weeks old they hit the weaning pen for as long as it takes them to eat and drink well. Then into the kit boxes and training.
Dan
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MCCORMICKLOFTS
89 posts
Jul 23, 2005
11:42 AM
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Hey Major, putting the young on the floor of the open loft is fine....if you provide shelter for them. Place a few boards in the corners of the loft, say 12x24 inches in size. This provides a place for the babies to hide if some of the cocks get unruly. Usually once a loft community has raised a round or two, you won't need the boards anymore unless there is one cock that is just itching to have this neck stretched.
Brian
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Velo99
48 posts
Jul 23, 2005
12:33 PM
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I just put a couple of v perches on the floor. Usually two squeaks can get under one perch, barely.
As to agressive cocks. I lock em down after I smack em around for a minute or two. I will also pitch him out in the exercise pen and make him watch the other birds eat. Gives him something to think about besides picking on a chick.
I will not allow agressive cocks in the box. If you give the squeaks enough places to hide the cocks generally will not bother them.
yits
v99
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Major-ret
5 posts
Jul 23, 2005
6:44 PM
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Thank you all for the excellent suggestions. I am putting a v perch and a hiding board in an out of the way spot for the chicks to hide. Since they are only 14-15 days old I may wait a bit longer to. You know its hard to be patient lol!!!
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Velo99
49 posts
Jul 24, 2005
6:45 AM
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Hey Major,
Put em on the floor when the tail feathers are about 3/4 inch or longer. Since they grow at different rates,I find it easier to use the size method for moving the chicks. It takes a few days of being on the floor to start picking on their own. After you see them drink and pick from the feeder. Move them over to the y/b box.
good luck
yits
v99
Last Edited by Velo99 on Jul 24, 2005 6:52 AM
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