[Dave C]

Hi Dave

I also have slow growing Sasso chicks. They are 6 weeks old now and I have noticed in the last week that some of them are getting bloated crops.

Is that something that you are experiencing as well?

Thanks
Shari

Hi Shari, no I have had no problems with mine I'm also impressed that I haven't had to restrict food from them, mine are Sasso T551 (Gallic) and my chicks are Sasso X431A ( Farm Rangers) what type are yours ?

Are they bloated all the time or just after eating and are they eating ok or off there food?
Also are all of them suffering or just 1 or 2 ?
Could there be an obstruction in there or maybe eaten some long grass they can't digest ?

[Dave C]

I have some birds entered I. Yorkshire show
I was thinking something different with utilities I.e staying away from show standard if you get what I mean

The Muscovy males are considerably bigger which you probably already know
And will reach a 2-3kg at 16 weeks
50% less fat than an Aylesbury duck at same age

Yeah a Utility type show would be good, I'm not into showing but would enjoy that.
What have you got entered in the GYS ?

I've flirted with the idea of ducks and geese as I have too much grass this time of year them Muscovies sound tasty so maybe an idea for next year, I haven't done any pigs this year which has been a big miss and I'm adding Lambs next years so plenty of meat in the freezer to come 

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

My main breed I am taking are silver kraienkoppe bantams they do pretty well at shows they have won a best rare in show the other year and got placed on another occasion.

I have just got 2 acres of land and should have some ryelands by end of month
Excited about it

[Dave C]

Oh Ryelands are nice I think if I was breeding that would be my choice 
Mine will be early spring lambs and in the freezer by October.

Don't think I've seen a bantam Silver Kraienkoppe 
But I know the LF look a good meaty bird with a strong stature, would be an interesting addition to your meat project.

Ps, they are also beautiful birds 

[Dave C]

Oh Ryelands are nice I think if I was breeding that would be my choice  sounds very exciting.
Mine will be early spring lambs and in the freezer by October as I don't want to keep them over the winter.

Don't think I've seen a bantam Silver Kraienkoppe 
But I know the LF look a good meaty bird with a strong stature, would be an interesting addition to your meat project.

Ps, they are also beautiful birds 

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

Pics

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

More...

[Dave C]

There looking good Princess 

Don't know what's going on with the pics on the forum, they are so small then you open them and Wow there to big , ha.

The LS look very nice types, I expected the IgxLs to look a bit gamier if you know what I mean, or is it just the pics ?

Will be weighing my Slow grow Gallic tonight when I get home.
Will post the results.

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

Hi
They are growing nicely
To be fair I'm not sure how the IG x should look
But not that gamey like you say and seem to have taken on the LS stature

[Dave C]

I know the Ig X La Bresse I saw last year just looked like White IG,
The colour of yours looks similar to a cross I did a few years back, Welsummer cock over LS hens, chicks were sex linked and laid very well, the hens were brown with black heckles.
I went on to cross Welsummer X Cukhoo Marans both from very dark laying strains, again the chicks were sex linked and there eggs were fantastic and lots more than either breed laid.

[Dave C]

The Sasso Gallic growers were 10 weeks yesterday.
The weight range is 2.24kg - 2.41kg that's from the 4 random birds I just cought.
With them being free range they are getting wiser each weigh in.

There faster than they look, ha.

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

Looking good Dave
When will you cull
Nice weights those

[Dave C]

Thanks Princess,

Well after the 8 week weigh in I was thinking of culling at 14 weeks as I was thinking they were running a little light.
But they seem to have pulled it back, so I guess in 2 or 3 weeks time.

I'm starting to look at the Cockerels as to which 2 I will keep, I have 8 to choose from and it's not easy with hybrid broilers , as heavy birds could get to big, go off there legs or just be to heavy for the lovin 

[Bramham Wiltshire Horns]

ye will be looking on with interest
i have for hybrid cocks to ci=ull in the next 5 weeks or so

[Dave C]

What type of hybrids are they ?
Are you finishing them in any particular way to fatten them ?

My chicks in the brooder are 2 weeks now and there is some huge differences in sizes, I'm looking forward too getting them outside next weekend and getting some pics.

Think these are gona be big uns.