The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Pundyburn Lynn on September 15, 2012, 05:07:41 pm

Title: Are my hubbards okay?
Post by: Pundyburn Lynn on September 15, 2012, 05:07:41 pm

Hello folks,


My chicken experience so far has focused on hybrids and hatching a number of light sussex's.  We've recently hatched a number of Hubbards - 4 are now 3 weeks old and 8 are a week old.  I've noticed a few differences in this breed that I'm not sure are normal.  The older 4 have enormous crops and breathe very heavily at times.  Their behaviour does not indicate any distress and they are eating and pooing normally.  Not having raised this breed before I'm not sure if they're just a bit different from light Sussex (and I'm being a bit paranoid), or whether there is something the matter.


Any advice?


Lynn

Title: Re: Are my hubbards okay?
Post by: Rosemary on September 15, 2012, 05:36:45 pm

We've had maybe a dozen batches of Hubbards and never had the "symptoms" you describe. We've never found them any different from other chicks - except faster growing.

Title: Re: Are my hubbards okay?
Post by: graham-j on September 15, 2012, 10:24:18 pm

Hi,I keep Hubbard's and they are gluttonous creatures who will stuff themselves silly,and yes there crop do get pendulous.
What are you feeding them I switch them from crumb to pellets at 3 to 4 weeks old.
You are aware they are broilers so need to eat large amounts to fuel there rapid growth.


Graham.

Title: Re: Are my hubbards okay?
Post by: Sylvia on September 16, 2012, 08:41:57 am

Maybe cracked wheat and a supply of grit in a separate container would do them good and a supply of greens.

Title: Re: Are my hubbards okay?
Post by: Pundyburn Lynn on September 16, 2012, 03:31:01 pm

Thanks very much for all you help!  Much appreciated