Looking Sad

At 37days, these Sunshine look sad and small...don't you think too?

I forget now what they weighed when I was texting the owner, but I was sure that is was so far off.

Not ranged, was one of the first issues I gathered.

How often were they fed? How much space do they have? Are they getting fresh air? Sunlight? Are veggies and grasses cut and carried to them?

Pictures please....

These were taken after a discussion of requirements and feeding practices:

The beddings look good, part of natural farming there.


Without a ranging area, even with a nice view to see out their window, they surely know what they are missing. If you can't give them the freedom to eat...might as well give them good food to eat, ALL THE TIME.


If they can't be ranged, still allow them fresh vegetables and grasses that you gather and put inside the pens. I will still suggest that you give them grains/feeds adlibitum, to supplement their diet. Using auto feeders will keep the feeds dry and saves time as you may fill it up in the morning. They get dispenses in the feeders, as needed.

Ready To Range For Profit

The brooding stage of chicks is the most important phase of growing. This is the make or break in their growth's takeoff.

1) Heat - the light in brooder cages are not there for them to see. They need the heat from those bulbs keep them warm and comfortable. If they feel cold or too warm, they don't eat nor move around. They push against each other to get air or to get warmth. They should be comfortable in their surrounding's temperature.

2) Space Requirement - They need to play and move around easily. With proper space requirements of 1ft/bird, they have the room to mingle, exercise and eat without having to wrestle for space.

3) Feeds and Water - Adlibitum feeding means they always have feeds in their feeders. They eat all the time and they need that to make them strong for their ranging days. Have clean drinking water all the time.

4) Beddings - These keep them warm and dry. Make sure it is always clean. Yes your Sunshines are strong and disease resistant for the most part...but you have to exercise biosecurity and proper poultry management.

5) Vaccinate - We personally do not vaccinate, but check if you need, depending on your location and neighbors.

6) Observe - Keenly keep an eye on them. You will understand your flock when you are intouch.

Most people are afraid of brooding, or fail in this area. Most difficult and important 3weeks. Proper brooding is the cheapest way to successful raising of your Sunshines.

Some people have seen this opportunity of livelihood. They are good in brooding. Less time and space is needed before they harvest :)

They brood and sell their ready to range Sunshines at a profit of course. The customers are more than willing to do away with the brooding. Downside is you can't be sure how the 3weeks were done...feeding etc. Trust is a factor.

What Grass Should We Plant?

We have always been asked this, what one has to plant for the Sunshines to eat.

They eat anything that is soft :) No need to plant, as when you rake an area, new life sprouts. If you have tall and matured grass around....cut them and see the new stems and leaves will attract your Sunshines.

And as for food? Let's work with what is abundant in your area. There will be no clear cut feeding programs nor materials.

I suggest though, that while they are ranging....let them have feeders with their grains, adlibitum. Just like a green buffet, let them walk around, poke and sniff. Give them choices and liberty to eat whatever at will.

By experience, they love the range more than their feeders.