bman
222 posts
Feb 16, 2007
5:40 PM
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On my first round they currently range from 24 days old down to 15 days. My thoughts are too hold the couple of oldest back till the youngest are ready to wean.This does two things,one it will give me ten birds in one bunch instead of two really small buches.And two buy me a couple of weeks for the weather to moderate a little more before putting them in the kit box.Oh yeah I'm in Ohio,still in the single digits at night and 15+ inches of snow right know. I appreciate your guys input.--------
Ron
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motherlodelofts
1463 posts
Feb 16, 2007
5:45 PM
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Ron, that is normaly what I do , it is rare that youngster get lost here due to the loft being easily spotted, I can put them out strong with little problem.
Now if I lived where youngsters could easily get lost I would say get them up as soon as possible.
Scott
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Flyin Hawaiian
6 posts
Feb 16, 2007
5:54 PM
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Hey Ron,
With the exception of those who live in warmer climates such as the west coast or the deep south to me to try and squeeze off an early round is but a waste of potential kit birds in the long run.Two things you have against you #1. the obvious weather conditions #2. predator attacks. Having said the above in answering your question the element of getting them started on the wing early is essential. You may or may not know that the development stage of a young roller is limted to a narrow window of time. The sooner you get them on the wing the better your results become. I like to keep them going as soon as thier able. Always look to keep like with like anotherwards an active kit vs a straight flying kit. Once the young fly a certain time say at least 45 minutes I personally combined the rounds just because of time restraints and basic exercise needs. They are flown regularly together but the crucial element is getting them started on the wing as early as possible and that menas when thier still squeaking. I wouldn't hold back the older ones just because you want to have a larger kit I would encourage them to take to the air when its time and if you have the type that are willing they will let you know when that time may be. Good Luck in your endeavors and I hope this can be of some help to you and others.
Ivan
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motherlodelofts
1464 posts
Feb 16, 2007
6:08 PM
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I might add also that when I hold it is for no more than a week or two and it is more out of convienance than anything , starting out my kits are usualy 10-15 birds, once strong on the wing I will start moving around to fill the kitbox.
Scott
Last Edited by on Feb 16, 2007 6:09 PM
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bman
223 posts
Feb 16, 2007
7:03 PM
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Scott,Ivan,
Thanks for the info.Conditions here are a little tight trees etc.I think a week to ten days is all I'll need to get them started together making the oldest about 5 weeks old.
Ivan, As far as the preds the only truly free flying here is May to September which results in the later rounds getting locked down before there rolling.It results in a pay me now or pay me later scenario.March,April I will have sporadic attacks but November is a blood bath if I try to fly, especially birds hatched that year.Older birds learn to handle it somewhat.I know I am pushing it a little breeding this early here but if I can get them thru the first month it will pay divedends later.I hope.
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Ron
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