Raising Oak Meadows Dirt Parrots
Basic Management Tips:
Raising Perroquet De Terre Broilers (Dirt Parrots) is more of an art than a science, as these resilient birds thrive in various brooding and grow-out conditions. While they are hardy and adaptable, providing the right nutrition is crucial for their optimal development. Here are some practical tips tailored for small farmers:
Allow free access to feed for the first 6 weeks or until they show reduced interest.
After this period, begin limiting access to feed to avoid wastage, discourage pests, and encourage natural foraging behavior.
Consider offering feed in intervals, such as 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon.
Ensure all birds in a group can feed simultaneously, possibly by using long line feeders.
If raising more than 25 chicks or using tractors, consider separating males from females after 6 weeks to minimize competition.
Choosing Feed:
Begin with high-protein chick starter feed (18-20% protein) and transition to an 16-17% Grower feed by 3 weeks.
We do not recommend using medicated starter feeds.
Pay attention to feed freshness. The fresher the feed, the better they will grow and the healthier they will be.
Pasture Considerations:
While chickens can eat grass, growing additional high-protein plants like brassicas, legumes, and amaranth in your pastures can increase the amount of their diet they are able to get from the pasture.
Do not assume you will get a reduction in feed consumption just because they are on pasture.
Environmental Factors:
Adjust feed based on temperature; colder conditions may require more feed for warmth.
Ensure chickens have access to shade in hot weather.
Maintain dry litter, as wet conditions can generate ammonia, affecting their health and growth rate.
Consider the activity level of your birds; increased activity may require more feed.
Reducing Stress:
Minimize stress factors such as size differences in the group, segregation of genders, and protection from predators.
Provide secure coops, low stocking density, and a calm environment to promote healthy growth.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all formula for small farms. Regularly assess your birds' weight, adjust feeding as needed, and trust your instincts for their overall well-being.
Processing:
Despite the black feathers, they will pluck cleanly when properly scalded and plucked.
Allow a 2-day rest period after processing to ensure optimal meat quality.
Rigour mortis will set in a few hours after processing, and it needs to resolve before freezing.
Resting can occur in a fridge in their bags or after they come out of the freezer, ensuring loose joints and floppy legs for quality meat.
Raising Perroquet De Terre Broilers (Dirt Parrots) is more of an art than a science, as these resilient birds thrive in various brooding and grow-out conditions. While they are hardy and adaptable, providing the right nutrition is crucial for their optimal development. Here are some practical tips tailored for small farmers:
Allow free access to feed for the first 6 weeks or until they show reduced interest.
After this period, begin limiting access to feed to avoid wastage, discourage pests, and encourage natural foraging behavior.
Consider offering feed in intervals, such as 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon.
Ensure all birds in a group can feed simultaneously, possibly by using long line feeders.
If raising more than 25 chicks or using tractors, consider separating males from females after 6 weeks to minimize competition.
Choosing Feed:
Begin with high-protein chick starter feed (18-20% protein) and transition to an 16-17% Grower feed by 3 weeks.
We do not recommend using medicated starter feeds.
Pay attention to feed freshness. The fresher the feed, the better they will grow and the healthier they will be.
Pasture Considerations:
While chickens can eat grass, growing additional high-protein plants like brassicas, legumes, and amaranth in your pastures can increase the amount of their diet they are able to get from the pasture.
Do not assume you will get a reduction in feed consumption just because they are on pasture.
Environmental Factors:
Adjust feed based on temperature; colder conditions may require more feed for warmth.
Ensure chickens have access to shade in hot weather.
Maintain dry litter, as wet conditions can generate ammonia, affecting their health and growth rate.
Consider the activity level of your birds; increased activity may require more feed.
Reducing Stress:
Minimize stress factors such as size differences in the group, segregation of genders, and protection from predators.
Provide secure coops, low stocking density, and a calm environment to promote healthy growth.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all formula for small farms. Regularly assess your birds' weight, adjust feeding as needed, and trust your instincts for their overall well-being.
Processing:
Despite the black feathers, they will pluck cleanly when properly scalded and plucked.
Allow a 2-day rest period after processing to ensure optimal meat quality.
Rigour mortis will set in a few hours after processing, and it needs to resolve before freezing.
Resting can occur in a fridge in their bags or after they come out of the freezer, ensuring loose joints and floppy legs for quality meat.