2016 - Hoover`s Hatchery

Transcription

2016 - Hoover`s Hatchery
6
1
20
205 Chickasaw St., Rudd, Iowa 50471
800-247-7014
www.hoovershatchery.com
sales@hoovershatchery.com
FREE SHIPPING!
NO HIDDEN FEES!
PRICING ALL INCLUSIVE!
Y’S COME
R
A
M WEL
Dear customers, prospective customers, our
many dealers, and poultry lovers everywhere
– welcome to Hoovers Hatchery via our new
2016 catalog.
We want you to enjoy your stroll through our
catalog and notice that we have added several
new breeds. We have added new breeding
flocks and increased the size of many of our
present flocks to better serve you. Our flock
owners have increased from 15 to 30. We
have diversified our flock locations between
Iowa and Missouri so we do not have “all of
our eggs in one basket!”
The year 2015 was an eventful and rewarding
year for us as we have increased our capacity
and hatching space at Hoover’s in order to
better serve you. You might say we have
“spread our wings!”
2 HOOVER’S HATCHERY
At Hoover’s Hatchery, we have always
implemented a very detailed vaccination
program for our breeders. We take extra steps
to ensure that all of our customers have the
best quality chicks available. And all of our
flocks are blood tested for many diseases
– we are NPIP approved. In addition, our
biosecurity plan between our flocks and within
our hatchery is at the highest level.
On the technology side, we have added
many advances – a new hatch program with
an integrated website where availability is
constantly updated. We are on Facebook,
Twitter, Google Plus, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
We want each of you to be familiar with what
we offer and do all that we can to make your
journey with Hoover’s Hatchery an awesome
experience!
So we say “welcome” to each and every one
of you. Many things have changed in the
hatchery business since 1944 – but you still
hatch an egg in the same manner you did then
– and one thing will never change at Hoover’s
Hatchery – we will try very hard to provide you
with the best quality baby chicks available at
the most affordable prices and we want you to
feel comfortable with our skilled and friendly
sales staff.
In welcoming you to our hatchery, let us
help you fulfill your “chicken dream.” It is so
rewarding to see the bright eyes of a child in
love with a baby chick, the excitement of a
4-H or FFA young person planning a chicken
project, or the attachment of a senior citizen to
chicks as they relive the “golden years!”
So – thank you to each of you for contributing
to Hoover’s Hatchery’s growth and for helping
us realize our dream of serving you!
May 2016 be a rewarding year for all of us and
may our “chicken dreams” be fulfilled!
With gratitude,
All of us at Hoover’s Hatchery
FREE SHIPPING! NO HIDDEN FEES! PRICING ALL INCLUSIVE!
HOOVER’S BIOSECURITY CERTIFICATION
STATEMENT
Poultry sold is originated directly from parent stock tested and found negative for pullorum typhoid diseases within the
past 12 months. All of our breeders are MS-MG clean and have had no incident of AI (avian influenza) shown with our
blood testing. We also vaccinate all of our breeders for marek’s, Bronchitis-New castle, bursal, fowl pox, laryngotracheitis,
and salmonella. Hoover’s Hatchery works to receive permits from each state we ship to as a part of our business.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee that our poultry will arrive alive and healthy. For a full
guarantee you must report any loss to us within 48 hours of receiving
your order. Upon receiving your report of lost poultry you will receive one
of the following - (1) A monetary refund for birds lost, either by check or
on your credit card; (2) Replacement of the birds you have lost; or (3)
Credit your account to be used on a future order.
We guarantee 90% accuracy on all sexed poultry.
There are certain shared responsibilities between you (the buyer) and
Hoover’s Hatchery (the seller) to ensure a successful venture for both the
buyer and the seller.
OUR JOB is to supply you with quality, healthy birds in a timely manner.
We have been doing this since 1944 and have successfully delivered
thousands of birds all over the United States.
YOUR JOB is to raise healthy birds for your family and friends. We
suggest you follow the Quick Guide for Starting Baby Poultry on page
8. By following this guide you should not have a problem raising quality
birds for your enjoyment.
S
N
Y
L
O
I
T
N UEST
E
U
Q
Question: How many eggs does a
FRE ASKED Q
typical hen lay in a year?
Question: What is Ascites?
Answer: Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in
the abdominal cavity, and lay term “waterbelly”
is an apt description of its appearance in an
affected chicken. It is a challenge to the poultry
industry because it is an end-stage lesion with
multiple causes and the heavy, rapidly growing
broiler chicken appears to be increasingly
vulnerable.
Question: What is “pasty butt?”
Answer: Sometimes the shipping process will
cause manure to build up around your chicks’
vents. This issue is called pasty butt, or rear
end pasting. This can happen in the shipping
process or when chicks are stressed in any
way.
Solution – use a warm, damp washcloth to get
rid of the build-up. Take care not to pull out the
delicate down feathers.
Pasty butt can cause blockage, preventing
the baby chick from eliminating and resulting
in death, so check chicks frequently the first
days.
Answer: The average number of eggs laid by a
hen in a year is 259. A hen starts laying eggs
at 19 weeks of age. As a hen grows older, she
produces larger eggs.
Question: Why do chickens pant?
Answer: Know the Signs of a chicken being
overheated: by Andy Schneider, the Chicken
Whisperer
Chickens start to pant at around 83 F, but just
because they are panting doesn’t necessarily
mean they are overheated. Like dogs, chickens
don’t have sweat glands, so they pant in order
to maintain their body temperature. They also
spend most of their time outside taking dust
baths and scratching around for bugs.
Question: How can pullets be trained to
lay in the nests instead of on the floor?
Answer: Have the nests in a convenient
location and accessible to the birds. Frequently
pick up floor eggs, and place them in the
nests. Destroy the floor nesting sites. Place
artificial eggs in the nests. Move pullets from
rearing to laying pens before they start to lay.
Source: Kansas State Univ. Animal Sciences
and Industry.
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Question: What causes “red” spot on
yolk?
Answer: The ovary of the hen consists of
follicles of varying size. A follicle is composed
of an egg yolk surrounded by membranes.
Membranes in the follicle wall contain
numerous blood capillaries except for a line,
called the stigma. When ovulation occurs, the
follicle wall normally splits along the stigma
where there are no blood vessels. On rare
occasions, the follicle wall may split on either
side of the stigma resulting in the rupture of
blood capillaries and a small amount of blood
is deposited on the surface of the yolk. This
blood is called a “blood spot.”
Question: What causes “blowouts?”
Answer: A hen coming into production earlier
than normal can produce double yolked
eggs and blowouts can occur. An older hen
experiencing a “blowout” can be the result
of excessive fat in the abdominal cavity.
Whole oats can be added to the ration to help
eliminate the excessive fat.
Also, it may be that cannibalism results after
“blowout.” The birds see blood and start
picking at the hen.
2016 GUIDE 3
ANY AMOUNT OR COMBINATION OF MEAT, STANDARD OR
RARE BREEDS MAY BE MIXED TO MEET THE 25 CHICK MINIMUM FOR SHIPPING.
S
D
R
I
B
T
A
ME
RED RANGERS
CORNISH CROSS
BROILERS
Our fast growing meat
type bird…you can’t
equal them anywhere!
Pullets can weigh
5.96 lbs. in 56 days.
St. Run 6.74 lbs. in 56 days, Cox 7.57 lbs. in 56
days. Excellent feed conversion. Available all year.
Pullet
SR
COX
25-49
1.75
1.85
2.10
50-99
1.55
1.65
1.85
100+
1.40
1.50
1.70
CORNISH GAME HENS
This Red Ranger is
bred in the United
States and is a
baseline product that
does it all. It has a
good growth rate
and feed conversion,
great livability and a 70% live to dress weight
yield. The breast meat on a long keel is in natural
proportion to the leg meat. It is three yellow:
yellow, skin, shanks and beak. The Red Ranger
has strong legs, a dark red feather color, with
black feathers. This versatile bird is an excellent
forager, well-suited for any environment. Many
like this bird for the foraging and natural or free
range capabilities. Available all year.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
2.65
2.55
1.50
50-99
2.35
2.25
1.35
100+
2.20
2.10
1.20
25-49
1.75
50-99
1.55
RAINBOW
(DIXIE)
The Rainbow is a
dual purpose bird. It
has one of the most
unique feather color
patterns you will
ever see. It has every color you can imagine - no
two birds look alike! Buy them as egg layers as
well as for the meat. The hens lay large brown
eggs. The males reach market weight around 12
weeks (approximately 5 lbs. live weight).
(SR Only)**
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.00
2.40
1.50
50-99
2.70
2.10
1.35
100+
2.55
1.95
1.20
ASIAN BLUE
The Cornish Game Hens are butchered at 3 weeks
of age when they are 2-2.5 pounds live weight.
Delicious! Available all year.
Pullet
DUAL PURPOSE
100+
1.40
DID YOU KNOW?
Eggs are very high in “complete” protein because their proteins
contain all of the essential amino acids that people need. Eggs contain
all of the B vitamins and are considered a good source of vitamins A
and D. Vitamin C is the only vitamin that eggs do not contain.
The Asian Blue can
be used as a dual
purpose bird. It’s
striking colors with
a blue/green hue
on the black and
red feather pattern
makes it a beautiful flock. It is a slower growing
bird where the males can reach market weight
in 10 to 12 weeks (4 – 4.5 lbs. live weight) and
the females taking 15 weeks. The females are
good layers of medium to large brown eggs. It
is a hardy bird that can adapt to many growing
conditions.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.00
2.40
1.50
50-99
2.70
2.10
1.35
100+
2.55
1.95
1.20
MEAT BIRD CARE
The CORNISH CROSS BROILER is a very unique and remarkable bird. We
like to think of it as the BBB - big breasted broiler - it has very broad breasts,
large thighs, beautiful white plumage, and yellow skin. Its rapid growth is
remarkable, along with great feed efficiency. You can actually see it grow
before your eyes.
There are special steps to follow when raising the Broilers. In order
to avoid bad legs and Ascites problems, we recommend the following
steps...
1. R
estrict access to feed to 10 hours per day for the first 3-4 weeks. Be
sure the chicks have adequate feeder space so most of the chicks can eat
at the same time.
3. Limit light to natural day-length or 12 hours (whichever is longer).
4. Keep chicks warm with good ventilation, but avoid drafts.
5. Keep air quality high by keeping ammonia low.
6. Do not use straw for litter - use wood shavings or ground corn cobs.
If you want the birds to mature all at one time, purchase either all pullets
(hens) or all cox (roosters). If you want them to mature at different sizes,
purchase the straight run. The pullets also make excellent Cornish game hens
if butchered at 2 to 2 1/2 lbs. live weight.
Raise Hoover’s Cornish Cross Broilers and we guarantee you will be delighted
at the results!
2. Limit protein in the ration to 20-22 %.
4 HOOVER’S HATCHERY
FREE SHIPPING! NO HIDDEN FEES! PRICING ALL INCLUSIVE!
ANY AMOUNT OR COMBINATION OF MEAT, STANDARD OR
RARE BREEDS MAY BE MIXED TO MEET THE 25 CHICK MINIMUM FOR SHIPPING.
DS
R
A
D ARE
N
A
ST & R
BLACK GIANTS
BROWN EGG LAYERS
AMBERLINK
Amberlink is a very
well balanced, all round
performance bird. A
champion egg layer with
very strong and very
brown eggs. The ideal bird
for nice, medium size table
eggs. A hybrid breed that is part of the Isa Brown
family, The Amberlink is also a great forager.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.00
2.40
1.50
50-99
2.70
2.10
1.35
100+
2.55
1.95
1.20
AMERICANA
Chicks are assortment
of various color
combinations from the
Araucana and Americana
mix. Because of this
genetic combination our
birds are not meant for
exhibition. They are great
birds with egg colors
ranging from Turquoise, to olive to light brown.
Mature weight is 5.5lbs and they are extremely
hardy birds.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.45
2.85
1.50
50-99
3.15
2.55
1.35
100+
3.00
2.40
1.20
BLACK SEX LINK
A great brown egg
layer. The females
are black, the males
are black and white.
They reach a weight
of 5 to 5.5 lb. Much
like its red counterpart the Black Sex Link is an
egg laying machine.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
2.95
2.35
1.50
50-99
2.65
2.05
1.35
(JERSEY)
BARRED ROCK
100+
2.50
1.90
1.20
A cold hardy bird,
the Barred Rock is
called a prolific egg
layer with a medium
brown shell color.
Barred Rocks have a
mature body weight
of 5 to 5.5 lbs. A strong bird with clean barring
of colors.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
2.95
2.35
1.50
50-99
2.65
2.05
1.35
100+
2.50
1.90
1.20
ASIAN BLACK
The Asian Black is solid
in color, with both the
males and females
predominately black.
The Asian Black has
a reputation for great
livability and hardiness.
The females are excellent brown egg producers.
The females will weigh 5-5 1/2 lbs. at maturity
and the males 6-7 lbs. at 18-20 making it an
excellent dual purpose bird.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
2.95
2.35
1.50
50-99
2.65
2.05
1.35
100+
2.50
1.90
1.20
A popular breed
with mature body
weight 6.5 lbs for
hens and 8 lbs for
males. Glossy black
plumage with greenish-purple sheen set this bird
off. They are one of the most popular light brown
egg layers. The demeanor of this bird is gentle
and quiet.
25-49
2.95
2.35
1.50
Pullet
SR
Male
50-99
2.65
2.05
1.35
100+
2.50
1.90
1.20
25-49
3.05
2.45
1.50
50-99
2.75
2.15
1.35
100+
2.60
2.00
1.20
BUFF
ORPINGTON
Lays a rich golden
brown egg. Mature
body weight is
approximately 8
lbs for female and
10 lbs for male. The Buff Orpington is a quiet
bird and a good setter for hens and the males
are often dressed because of the white skin
and plump breast. Their heavy build and large
plumage make them an excellent winter bird.
Pullet
SR
Male
BLACK
AUSTRALORP
Pullet
SR
Male
Jersey Giants
are dual purpose
chickens, but they
outrival many other
breeds as a meat
bird. They are an
excellent roasting bird when fully mature. The
hens tend to lay more eggs than those of other
heavy breeds. Their eggs are extra-large in size
with color varying from dark brown to light
cream. The black plumage has a beautiful green
sheen, the eyes are dark brown and shanks and
toes black.
25-49
3.05
2.45
1.50
50-99
2.75
2.15
1.35
100+
2.60
2.00
1.20
50-99
5.10
100+
4.95
BLACK MARAN
The Black Marans
are one of the rarest
breeds of chicken in
the United States. Black
Marans produce one of
the darkest chocolatebrown eggs known.
Limited Availability.
SR
25-49
5.40
DID YOU KNOW?
The eggs you purchase in your grocery could be 45 days old.
TIME TO RAISE YOUR OWN?
FREE SHIPPING! NO HIDDEN FEES! PRICING ALL INCLUSIVE!
2016 GUIDE 5
ANY AMOUNT OR COMBINATION OF MEAT, STANDARD OR
RARE BREEDS MAY BE MIXED TO MEET THE 25 CHICK MINIMUM FOR SHIPPING.
STANDARDS & RARE CONTINUED
Marans are
generally quiet and
docile; but they are
quite active, taking
well to free ranging
in rough terrain
and are also tough and disease-resistant. Marans
lay around 150-200 dark brown eggs each year
depending on the variety. Marans are historically
a dual-purpose bird, prized not only for their dark
eggs but for their table qualities as well.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
4.25
3.25
1.50
50-99
3.95
2.95
1.35
100+
3.80
2.80
1.20
GOLDEN LACE
WYANDOTTE
The Golden Laced
Wyandotte is a
wonderful addition
to any backyard
coop. This breed
is firmly established as a good producer as well
as having delicious meat. The Golden Laced
Wyandotte has a rose comb and is a cold hardy
bird.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.05
2.45
1.50
50-99
2.75
2.15
1.35
100+
2.60
2.00
1.20
GOLDEN
NUGGET
The Golden Nugget
produces a goodsized brown egg
with excellent
shell quality. Many
customers keep these birds for well over a
year with total eggs approaching 250 per bird.
Underneath the golden outer feathers is an
amazing layer of down feathers, similar to duck
or goose down. Because of this downy layer, the
Golden Nugget can be raised from a baby chick in
almost any climate. It is a very good forager.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.00
2.40
1.50
6 HOOVER’S HATCHERY
RHODE ISLAND
RED
ISA BR
CUCKOO MARAN
50-99
2.70
2.10
1.35
100+
2.55
1.95
1.20
(GOLD STAR,
RED SEX LINK)
One of the top
sellers in the
industry because of
the number of eggs
they lay and the demeanor. Mature body weight
of 4.10 to 4.19 lbs. Eggs per hen housed 264 to
285. Excellent shell quality and texture. A docile
bird, extremely easy to work with. When baby
chicks are hatched, the pullets are brownish-red
and the cockerels are white.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.10
2.50
1.50
50-99
2.80
2.20
1.35
100+
2.65
2.05
1.20
DID YOU KNOW?
A mature chicken has 8500
feathers.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
RED
A dual purpose
chicken, selected more
for meat production
than egg production.
Medium heavy in
weight, it is used as either a broiler or a roaster.
Hens lay a large brown egg.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
2.95
2.35
1.50
50-99
2.65
2.05
1.35
100+
2.50
1.90
1.20
PRODUCTION
RED
Their mature body
weight is 5 to 5.5
lbs. The hens lay a
good size egg that
has a strong shell
quality and a brown shell color. Females and
Males are dark brownish-red in color. Production
is in the name for a reason. Excellent egg layers.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
2.95
2.35
1.50
50-99
2.65
2.05
1.35
The Rhode Island
Red is one of the
most famous and all
time popular breeds
in America. Female
color is lustrous, rich, dark red with a black tail
and lays an amazing amount of eggs for a heavy
breed.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.00
2.40
1.50
50-99
2.70
2.10
1.35
100+
2.55
1.95
1.20
SALMON
FAVEROLLE
People own
Salmon Faverolles
for their silliness,
their steady egg
production, and
their fine meat. You can expect between 150
and 180 tinted eggs per year from each Salmon
Faverolles in your flock. They are known to
continue to lay through the winter. Originally bred
as dual purpose birds, they are suitable as table
birds as well.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
4.25
3.25
1.50
50-99
3.95
2.95
1.35
100+
3.80
2.80
1.20
SPECKLED
SUSSEX
The Sussex chicken
is a dual purpose
breed of chicken
that originated in
England around the
time of the Roman conquest of Britain in AD 43.
It is one of the most productive breeds of poultry.
They lay large eggs that are cream to light brown
in color. They lay approximately 240 to 260 eggs
a year.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.45
2.85
1.50
50-99
3.15
2.55
1.35
100+
3.00
2.40
1.20
100+
2.50
1.90
1.20
FREE SHIPPING! NO HIDDEN FEES! PRICING ALL INCLUSIVE!
ANY AMOUNT OR COMBINATION OF MEAT, STANDARD OR RARE BREEDS MAY BE MIXED TO MEET THE 25 CHICK MINIMUM FOR SHIPPING.
SILVER LACED
WYANDOTTE
The Silver Laced
Wuandotte is the
original Wayandotte
with pullets laying
around 200 eggs
a year with an exceptional hen laying around
240 eggs a year. The eggs are brown or tinted.
The hens weigh around 6 pounds and the males
weigh around 8½ pounds. The hens also make
great setters and the bird tends to be another
cold hardy chicken.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.05
2.45
1.50
50-99
2.75
2.15
1.35
100+
2.60
2.00
1.20
WELSUMMER
A light, friendly,
and intelligent
breed, with
rustic-red and
orange color. The
standard sized
Welsummer lays large eggs which are a terracotta
dark brown, often with dark speckles.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
4.25
3.25
1.50
50-99
3.95
2.95
1.35
100+
3.80
2.80
1.20
POLISH
ASSORTED
BROWN EGG
LAYERS
Hatchery choice
of brown egg
layers. No
broilers, no red rangers, no white egg layers. You
will receive a good mix and variety.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
2.85
2.25
1.50
50-99
2.55
1.95
1.35
100+
2.40
1.80
1.20
HATCHERY
CHOICE EGG
LAYERS
The White Crested
Black Polish present
an amazing display of
shimmering black with
ridges of white and a few
black feathers throughout
their body. They make breathtaking show birds.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.95
2.95
1.50
50-99
3.65
2.65
1.35
100+
3.50
2.50
1.20
50-99
3.65
2.65
1.35
100+
3.50
2.50
1.20
50-99
3.65
2.65
1.35
100+
3.50
2.50
1.20
BUFF LACED POLISH
An Assortment
of breeds based
on availability
overall at the time of your chosen hatch. This is a
great value pack.
Pullet
SR
Male
WHITE CRESTED
BLACK POLISH
25-49
2.65
2.05
1.30
50-99
2.35
1.75
1.15
100+
2.20
1.60
1.00
Feature a beard and an
unruly mass of feathers
on its head. They have a
brilliant buff color. The
pullets lay small brown
eggs. They are ideal for
show.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.95
2.95
1.50
SILVER LACED POLISH
Probably the most
spectacular of all the
polish. Their feathers glow
shimmering white with tips
of black. The pullets lay
small white eggs, but are
not considered a “good”
egg layer.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.95
2.95
1.50
GOLD LACED POLISH
The primary purpose of
the Gold Laced Polish
today is for show,
revered for the birds’
magnificent crest of
feathers. Adult males
weigh approximately 6
lbs., pullets: 4.5 lbs. Hens lay a small white egg,
but are not considered a “good” egg layer.
Pullet
SR
Male
FREE SHIPPING! NO HIDDEN FEES! PRICING ALL INCLUSIVE!
25-49
3.95
2.95
1.50
50-99
3.65
2.65
1.35
100+
3.50
2.50
1.20
2016 GUIDE 7
ANY AMOUNT OR COMBINATION OF MEAT, STANDARD OR
RARE BREEDS MAY BE MIXED TO MEET THE 25 CHICK MINIMUM FOR SHIPPING.
STANDARDS & RARE CONTINUED
WHITE EGG LAYERS
BROWN
LEGHORN
CALIFORNIA WHITE
WHITE LEGHORN
California White pullets are an excellent
egg layer with a body weight of 4
to 4.5 lbs. They have a very docile
temperament. A cross between a HyLine
Pullet and a California Grey rooster.
Another great layer with some of the
flight instincts tamed.
White Leghorns are one of the most
popular white egg layers, laying 287 to
307 eggs per hen housed. They have an
excellent shell texture and egg quality.
The true breed of the outstanding
leghorn laying breeds.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
2.95
2.35
1.50
50-99
2.65
2.05
1.35
SERVICES
100+
2.50
1.90
1.20
Cocci......$0.20
Pullet
SR
Male
Mareks......$0.20
25-49
3.00
2.40
1.50
(SINGLE COMB)
50-99
2.70
2.10
1.35
100+
2.55
1.95
1.20
Beak Trim (Day Old)......$0.20
The Brown Leghorn
breed of chicken is
very athletic, mature
early, are hardy,
non-sitters and lay very nice large/Xlarge white
eggs. Leghorns are good layers of white eggs,
laying an average of 280 per year and sometimes
reaching 300–320. Considered the most colorful
bird of the white egg laying breeds.
Pullet
SR
Male
25-49
3.00
2.40
1.50
50-99
2.70
2.10
1.35
100+
2.55
1.95
1.20
QUICK GUIDE FOR STARTING BABY POULTRY
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
BROILERS
CHICKS &
BANTAMS
DUCKS & GEESE
TURKEYS
PEAFOWL &
GUINEAS
FEED
20-22% broiler
starter
18% chick starter to
28-30% game bird
18 wks; then 16%
starter
laying mash
18% layer mash or
20% duck starter
28% turkey starter
to 12 wks; then
18% grower
28-30% game bird
starter
HEAT AT FLOOR
SPACE
90-95 Degrees
90-95 Degrees
95-100 Degrees
90-95 Degrees
90-95 Degrees
95-98 Degrees
1 Sq. Ft.
1/2 Sq. Ft.
1/2 Sq. Ft.
1 1/2 Sq. Ft.
1 Sq. Ft.
1 Sq. Ft.
Water Additive: Vitamins & Electrolytes
For baby chicks, provide 2 one-gallon water
founts and 100” feeder space per 100 chicks.
Light: 24 Hour light or as needed for heat.
Litter: Commercial Wood Shavings.
NEVER USE STRAW FOR LITTER
Lower the heat at floor 5 degrees per week until it
reaches 75 degrees
Hang a heat lamp 18” from the floor
THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF CHICKEN’S LIFE ARE
THE MOST CRITICAL. Mistakes made during this
early phase cannot be corrected later on. It is
very important that they not be put under stress
in any way. So…
1. B
e sure the chicks are warm enough. The
temperature should be between 90-95
degrees. It is essential to keep the brooder
house heated properly. Chicks cannot regulate
their own body temperature until they are
about a week old. Chicks need heat for the
first seven days regardless of the season.
2. B
e sure the chicks have plenty of clean,
unchilled water readily available from the
very beginning of their life. Water is even
8 HOOVER’S HATCHERY
PHEASANTS
more important than feed when the chicks
first arrive. Allow chicks to drink 2 to 3 hours
when they arrive before feeding. Use one 1
gallon waterer for each 100 birds.
3. Be sure that the chicks have adequate feeder
space so that most of the chicks can eat at
the same time. The various layers should be
fed 18% commercial chick starter.
BROILERS... “Full feed” your Broiler chicks
for the first 2 to 3 days. Then make sure they
run out of feed. Then begin the “restricted
feeding program.” Feed the Broilers in the
morning and in the evening. Then remove the
feed so that they are not eating constantly,
especially at night. Failure to restrict feed can
result in Sudden Death Syndrome or “flipover” as it is sometimes called. Also helps
with the Ascites condition.
The correct feed program is so important.
Some start their Broilers on the 20-22%
Broiler feed, but then follow with a chick
starter and provide them with grain on the
side (all that they will eat). Or they grind and
mix their own ration with little or no regard to
the protein levels. They feel they save money,
however in the long run it costs dearly in
slower growth, poor meat quality and not as
thrifty chicks. Be sure that you have adequate
feed and water space and do not overcrowd.
4. Limit light to natural day length or 12 hours.
Keep chicks warm with some ventilation but
avoid drafts. A draft shield is ESSENTIAL.
Use corrugated paper 12 to 18 inches high.
If chicks are scattered about and not huddled
together, they have reached their comfort
zone.
5. NEVER, NEVER use straw for litter. Use kill
dried wood shavings. Cover area 2-3 inches
in depth. NEVER use paper to cover the litter.
6. We recommend using supplemental Vitamins
& Electrolytes in the drinking water to start
your poultry. You can use 1/4 cup sugar in
the water if you so desire.
Remember, poultry of all kinds need
WARMTH, FEED, WATER, VENTILATION, and
TENDER LOVING CARE especially for the
first two weeks of their life. Raising poultry
requires a great deal of practical thinking. If
something goes wrong, the chicks cannot
understand excuses!
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S
M
A
T
BAN
COCHIN
Cochins are friendly, docile chickens and
tend to be submissive when kept with more
aggressive breeds. They require good quality
feed and mature in two years. They make
remarkably good pets and a pet Cochin should
live between 8-10 years. They make excellent
brooders because of their calm, maternal
nature. They lay quite large eggs but don’t
produce many over the year.
BLACK COCHIN
Limited Availability.
30
4.05
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
(WHITE, BLACK BLUE,
BUFF)
An old English
game bantam the
upright appearance
and confidence
in this bird sets it
apart and makes it
noticeable.
30
4.05
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
BUFF BRAHMA
The Buff Brahma are
very gentle and easy
to handle. Brahmas
are hardy in cold
weather, excellent
setters and good
layers. It is easy to see why they have become so
popular. Limited Availability.
30
4.05
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
30
4.05
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
30
4.05
BUFF COCHIN
30
4.05
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
Mille Fleur bantams
generally have good
temperaments,
making them easy
birds to handle for
the novice chicken
keeper or for kids.
Because of their friendly dispositions, they make
excellent pet chickens. They have reddish-bay
feathers that are tipped in white.
RHODE ISLAND
RED BANTAM
The Rhode Island Red
Bantam is a smaller
version of the standard
Rhode Island Red
Chicken. They are good
layers and have a passive, amusing personality.
They are great foragers and do well in shows.
They make wonderful backyard chickens for fun
and eggs.
31-60
3.95
31-60
3.95
MILLE FLEUR
Limited Availability.
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
30
4.05
30
4.05
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
An old English game
bantam the upright
appearance and
confidence in this
bird sets it apart
and makes it noticeable.
Similar to the
Mille Fleur in
characteristics, the
“PDU” is a pale blue
rather than red. All
feathers are tipped in white.
Limited Availability.
Silkies are named
for their atypically
fluffy plumage,
which is said to
feel like silk. This
breed has several other unusual qualities, such
as black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and
five toes on each foot. They are often exhibited
in poultry shows, and appear in various colors.
Silkies are well known for their calm, friendly
temperament. Among the most docile of poultry,
Silkies are considered an ideal pet. Hens are also
exceptionally broody, and make good mothers.
Though they are fair layers themselves, laying
about three eggs a week, they are commonly
used to hatch eggs from other breeds and bird
species.
SILVER DUCK
WING
PORCELAIN
D’UCCLE
PARTRIDGE
COCHIN
30
4.05
SILKIES
B.B. RED
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
30
4.05
31-60
3.95
BLACK
TAIL WHITE
JAPANESE
A distinguished
breed with white
body feathers and
black tail feathers.
The bright red comb and wattles completes the
beauty of this bird.
30
4.05
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
DID YOU KNOW?
Water is the essential nutrient in a chickens daily diet. It is required for
regulating body temperature, digestion, growth and egg production.
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2016 GUIDE 9
BANTAMS CONTINUED
SILVER
SEBRIGHT
The Sebright is an
ornamental bantam,
and is commonly
seen in competitive
poultry shows. All
Sebrights have plumage that is laced around the
edges evenly with black, on a base of either dark
gold or whitish silver. Sebrights have unfeathered
legs with slate–blue skin, and their beaks are
ideally a dark horn color. Limited Availability.
30
4.05
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
EMBDEN
Most popular eating
goose. All white,
easy to dress.
Mature weight,
females 13 lbs.,
males 20 lbs. 11-15 lbs. in 20-24 weeks.
8
11.50
9-16
11.45
17-32
11.40
33-50
11.35
TOULOUSE
Popular commercial
goose, shades of gray.
Mature weight, female
12-13 lbs., males 18-20
lbs.
A miniature bantam.
They are a graceful
bird and very docile.
The hens are good
egg producers.
31-60
3.95
61-90
3.65
91-121
3.50
8
12.10
9-16
12.05
17-32
12.00
33-50
11.95
WHITE CHINESE
ASSORTED
BANTAMS
Available March
thru June. Miniature
chickens for hobby
flocks. Assorted
breeds only. Sorry
no individual breed orders. Bantams cannot be
mixed with any other item.
30
3.95
BUFF
The American Buff
is an apricot-fawn
color. The buff
colored feathers on
its back and sides
are edged with
creamy white. Its abdomen is nearly white. Its
bill and feet are orange to reddish orange, and
the hard “nail” at the tip of the bill is a pale pink.
Its legs may fade to pink during laying, or when
green grass is not available.
8
16.30
9-16
16.25
17-32
16.20
33-50
16.15
PILGRIM
PARTRIDGE
WYANDOTTE
BANTAM
30
4.05
E
S
E
E
G
31-60
3.85
61-90
3.55
91-121
3.40
ALL POULTRY BASED
ON AVAILABILITY
DID YOU KNOW?
Hens lay an egg about every
25 hours.
9-16
11.35
17-32
11.30
33-50
11.25
SEBASTOPOL
The Sebastopol
is a very unique
appearing goose.
They have been
around for hundreds
of years, thought to
be from the countries surrounding the Black Sea,
Hungary and the Balkans. The correct colored
Sebastopol is pure white. Young birds may start
with a few gray feathers but gradually lose them
until they are pure white at about 20 weeks, after
their final set of feathers develops. Fertility seems
to be a problem with most Sebastopols, along
with lower than normal egg production.
8
54.50
10 HOOVER’S HATCHERY
8
16.50
Very good layer.
White with a knob
on top of their
head. Smaller
than Embden or
Toulouse.
8
11.40
9-16
54.45
Pilgrims are the
only domestic
goose breed that
you can distinguish
males from females
at any age. As
babies, the males are yellow and light gray with
lighter colored bills. The females are a deeper
gray/green with a darker bill. They are a calm
goose with the reputation of being very good
parents. The fertility of their eggs is generally low
(about 60%).
17-32
54.40
33-50
54.35
9-16
16.45
17-32
16.40
33-50
16.35
17-32
12.00
33-50
11.95
AFRICAN
Black knob on top of
head and a dark strip
down the back of the
neck. Smaller than
Embden or Toulouse.
8
12.10
9-16
12.05
LARGE DEWLAP
TOULOUSE
They have a loose fold of
skin below their beak and
carry enormous bulk –
which contributes to their
name. They do not reach
their mature weight until age three. This breed is
very calm with a good disposition.
8
54.50
9-16
54.45
17-32
54.40
33-50
54.35
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ROMAN TUFTED
Is not a large goose
and is actually
classified as a light
breed for show
purposes. Most
Roman geese in
the world do not have a tuft or crest on their
head. The Roman Tufted, however, are especially
popular in North America. The crest is not similar
to the crested ducks. Whereas the crest in ducks
is caused by an extra ball of skin and feathers
on top of the head, the crest in geese is due to a
group of feathers standing more upright, causing
the appearance of a small helmet on their head.
They are a smaller, plump bird with a friendly
personality.
8
16.30
9-16
16.25
17-32
16.20
33-50
16.15
BUFF TUFTED
The Buff Tufted Goose
is a cross between the
Roman and American
Buff. It is a hardy breed
with good egg production
and fertility. They are also
a pleasant breed with a charming personality.
8
16.30
9-16
16.25
17-32
16.20
33-50
16.15
KS
C
U
D
BLUE SWEDISH
Are very similar
to the Pekin Duck
with a slightly more
upright stance.
Males weight
approximately 8 lbs and females approximately 7
lbs at maturity. The Blue Swedish is a very hearty
duck with a calm disposition.
PEKIN
Most popular duck
for eating, females
7-8 lbs, males 8-11
lbs. Market weight
18-20 weeks.
15-24
4.75
25-49
4.70
15-24
5.20
50-99
4.65
100+
4.60
Larger than a
Mallard but similar
in color, females 6-7
lbs. males 7-8 lbs.
Market weight 20
weeks.
25-49
4.80
50-99
4.75
100+
4.70
RUNNERS
RUNNERS ASSORTED
25-49
5.22
INDIAN RUNNER
15-24
5.57
25-49
5.52
50-99
5.47
100+
5.42
FAWN RUNNER
15-24
5.57
25-49
5.52
50-99
5.47
100+
5.42
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100+
5.05
CAYUGA
15-24
5.20
25-49
5.15
50-99
5.10
100+
5.05
WHITE RUNNER
An amazing unique breed with a strong slender
body and an upward stance. Mature weight is
approximately 4-1/2 lbs for male and 3-1/2 lbs
for the females. The hens are very good egg
layers.
15-24
5.27
50-99
5.10
Is one of the most
popular ducks for
showing. They
are calm and love
foraging for many of
the destructive insects in your yard and garden.
The hens are good egg producers and lay both
brown and white eggs.
ROUEN
15-24
4.85
25-49
5.15
50-99
5.17
100+
5.12
15-24
5.57
25-49
5.52
50-99
5.47
100+
5.42
BLACK RUNNER
15-24
5.62
25-49
5.57
50-99
5.52
100+
5.47
BLUE RUNNER
15-24
5.62
25-49
5.57
50-99
5.52
100+
5.47
CHOCOLATE
RUNNER
15-24
5.62
25-49
5.57
50-99
5.52
100+
5.47
2016 GUIDE 11
DUCKS CONTINUED
BUFF
MALLARD
Developed as a
multipurpose bird.
The hens are good
egg producers and
the males are great
for roasting.
Wild, flying duck,
much smaller than
a Rouen. 3-4 lbs.
18-20 weeks.
15-24
5.20
25-49
5.15
50-99
5.10
100+
5.05
KHAKI
CAMPBELL
Good layers, mature
weight of 4 1/2 lbs.
15-24
4.85
25-49
4.80
50-99
4.75
100+
4.70
WELSH
HARLEQUIN
Are excellent egg
producers laying
240 to 300 eggs
per year. They are
a good backyard duck and enjoy foraging for
insects and snails in your yard and garden. This
duck is also an excellent show bird.
15-24
7.45
25-49
7.40
50-99
7.35
100+
7.30
15-24
5.20
25-49
5.15
GOLDEN
300 HYBRID
50-99
5.10
100+
5.05
15-24
5.47
WHITE CRESTED
The White Crested
Duck is a good
dual-purpose bird.
The hens are good
egg layers and the
males are great
for roasting. They would also make an excellent
showing at your local fair.
15-24
6.55
25-49
6.50
50-99
6.45
100+
6.40
BLACK
SWEDISH
Are very similar
to the Pekin Duck.
Adult weight is
approximately 8 lbs
for the males and 7 lbs for the females. They have
a calm disposition and are excellent foragers.
15-24
5.20
25-49
5.15
Outstanding
egg producers.
The hens
lay between
250-300 eggs per year. Adult birds will average
4-4 1/2 lbs.
50-99
5.10
100+
5.05
25-49
5.42
50-99
5.37
100+
5.32
50-99
5.47
100+
5.42
50-99
4.60
100+
4.55
WHITE LAYER
Equals the Golden
300 Hybrid in egg
production. Adult birds
will average 4-1/2 to
5-3/4 lbs. They are
good foragers.
15-24
5.57
25-49
5.52
ASSORTED
DUCKS
Hatchery choice
selection of ducks.
15-24
4.70
25-49
4.65
BEFORE ORDERING WILD FOWL, WE SUGGEST YOU CHECK WITH THE REGULATORY AGENCY IN YOUR STATE THAT CONTROLS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT.
IT’S POSSIBLE YOU MAY NEED A PERMIT TO RAISE WILD FOWL.
DUCKLING AND GOSLING CARE
Feed and water the waterfowl at once on arrival. Start ducklings and goslings
on a commercial Duck and Goose starter if available. If not, they can be
started on laying mash (without a coccidiostat in it). Geese and ducks are
quite hardy and not susceptible to many of the common poultry diseases,
so medicated feed is not generally necessary. Certain coccidiostats used in
starting and growing baby chicks may cause lameness or even death in geese
and ducks. Give goslings and ducklings plenty of plain, clean drinking water
in fountains deep enough to enable them to wash their bills. (CAUTION: Do
not let them get into the water and become chilled.) By the time the goslings
and ducklings are 5 to 6 weeks old, a good share of their feed can be from
forage. However, some supplemental feeding is recommended until the birds
are completely feathered. Ducklings and goslings need grit, use chick size.
When using heat lamps, provide one 250 watt heat lamp for each 30
ducklings or 20 goslings. A starting temperature near 90 degrees at the edge
of the hover or heat lamp is about right. This temperature should be reduced
about 5 degrees per week until 70 degrees is reached. This can be done by
raising the heat lamp – never hang heat lamp with the bottom of the bulb
closer than 18” from the litter. Heat is not needed after the fifth or sixth week.
12 HOOVER’S HATCHERY
For the first two weeks of the brooding period, it is recommended that draft
guards be used with hover brooders or heat lamps to shield ducklings and
goslings from harmful drafts.
Provide 1 1/2 square feet of brooder house floor space per gosling
through 6 weeks of age. Provide 3/4 square feet of brooder house floor
space per duckling through 6 weeks of age. A wood, concrete, or dirt floor
is satisfactory. Allow the floor to be covered with about four inches of
absorbent litter. Sawdust, shavings, ground corn cobs, peanut hulls, or peat
moss are all good. Wet spots in the litter should be removed and fresh litter
added as needed. Ducklings and goslings must be kept dry to prevent losses
from crowding and chilling while in the “down” stage.
DO NOT HANDLE ducklings or goslings by the legs, always by the neck.
DO NOT use paper to cover litter when starting ducklings and goslings. They
have weak legs and slick paper will cause them to have spradle legs.
Ducklings are generally ready for market in 18-20 weeks. Goslings are
usually marketed in the Fall months at 24-30 weeks of age.
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S
Y
E
K
TUR
BRONZE
BOURBON RED
Broad breasted turkey.
Mature weight, female 22
lbs., male 38 lbs. At 20
weeks 23-33 lbs.
Available mid-May
to August. Red,
black and white.
16-25 lbs. at 20
weeks. Small order
charge of $5.00 on
less than 80.
WHITE
Broad breasted white
turkey, great to eat.
Female mature weight 25
lbs., males 45 lbs. At 20
weeks 23-33 lbs.
10-24
5.60
25-49
5.55
10-24
6.25
50-99
5.50
100+
5.45
25-49
6.20
50-99
6.15
100+
6.10
EASTERN WILD
Available mid-May
to August. Hardy
and colorful. 10-22
lbs. at 20 weeks.
Native to eastern
portions of the U.S.
Small order charge of $5.00 on less than 80.
20-24
9.96
25-49
9.91
50-99
9.86
20-24
10.05
25-49
10.00
50-99
9.95
100+
9.90
DID YOU KNOW?
If you make the chicken think
it’s daylight, even at night,
they’ll lay eggs that are bigger
and with harder shells.
100+
9.81
TURKEY CARE
If your brooder house has been used for chickens and/or turkeys previously,
be sure to clean and disinfect the house and equipment before your young
poults are put down. Disinfect using a disinfectant such as cresilic acid or
one of the quaternary ammonium compounds. After applying disinfectant,
let the brooder house dry and air out for approximately two weeks prior to
placing the poults down.
Use clean, dry wood shavings for litter. Cover floor to depth of 3 inches.
Rice hulls or sawdust can be used for litter if covered with 2 inches of wood
shavings for the first 7 to 10 days. DO NOT use straw for litter. Remove wet,
caked litter around feeders and waterers daily and stir litter weekly; add new
litter as needed.
It is important to get poults started early on feed and water; if they don’t
find the feed and water easily, starvation and/or dehydration can occur.
When small chick-sized feeders are used as the first feeders, bright colored
marbles, Christmas light bulbs or other colored objects are sometimes
placed in the feed and water containers. These help attract the poults to
the feed and water. It is a very good idea to put egg flats next to the regular
feeders to start the poults. Put the feed on these the first 2 or 3 days and
then remove them on the 3rd to 4th day. Provide 2 linear inches of feeder
space per bird from day old. From 3 weeks to market, the poults should have
access to larger feeders about 4 inches deep and provide 3 linear inches of
feeder space per bird.
Insoluble grit should be fed. Feed grit by sprinkling on top of the feed at the
rate of one pound per 100 birds twice weekly for the first 3 weeks. Provide
separate grit feeders after 3 weeks for free choice consumption.
Dip their beaks when the poults arrive to help them learn to drink.
Start poults on a high protein (28%) commercial Turkey Starter. Complete
turkey feeds may be fed in either a pelleted or meal form.
Operate brooder stoves or heat lamps for 24 to 48 hours before arrival of
poults to warm the building, floor, and surroundings. Start with temperature
of 90 to 95 degrees, at three inches off of the floor at the edge of the brooder.
Temperature of the air at the edge of the ring should be 75 to 80 degrees so
poults can seek their comfort zone. Reduce temperature 5 degrees per week
for the first 6 weeks. Room temperature should be in the range of 60 to 70
degrees during the first 6 weeks. Provide shelter for turkeys against sun and
rain. Turkeys can tolerate heat less and less as they get older.
Provide one square foot of floor space per poult up to 8 weeks of age. From
8 to 12 weeks, increase the floor space allowance to 2 square feet per poult.
From 12 to 16 weeks, the minimum allowance is 2 1/2 square feet. It is
important to observe space requirements to avoid cannibalism and feather
pulling and to make sure birds get adequate feed and water.
Estimated weight of white and bronze turkeys (these weights may vary a bit
between the white and bronze turkeys as the white turkeys tend to grow a bit
faster than the bronze):
14 WEEKS
16 WEEKS
18 WEEKS
20 WEEKS
TOMS
HENS
20.5
15.5
25.5
18.5
29.5
21.0
33.5
23.5
A water soluble multiple Vitamin product, such as Hoover’s Vitamins and
Electrolytes would be very beneficial during the early starting period.
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2016 GUIDE 13
S/
T
N
A
S
S
R
A
A
E
PH CHUK
CHUKAR PARTRIDGE
CHINESE
RINGNECK
Most popular
pheasant.
MELANISTIC
MUTANT
SR
Male
Beautiful bird
with blue-green
accents. Cannot
be mixed with
Ringneck for shipping.
SR
30
2.95
31-60
2.90
30
2.96
3.62
31-60
2.91
3.57
61-90
2.86
3.52
90+
2.81
3.47
90+
2.80
These large
beautiful
pheasants feature
an iridescent greenish-black plumage. A favorite
variety for release, they display a remarkable
ability to survive and reproduce in the wild. A
mature male is 3.5 lbs. and females are 2.5 lbs.
Cannot be mixed with Ringneck for Shipping.
SR
30
3.26
SR
30+
2.57
CHUKAR/REDLEG
PARTRIDGE
EXTRA LARGE
RINGNECK
61-90
2.85
The chukar is a stout 13–
14 in long partridge, with
a light brown back, grey
breast, and buff belly. The
face is white with a black
gorget. It has rufous-streaked flanks, red legs and
coral red bill. Sexes are similar, the female slightly
smaller in size and lacking the spur.
31-60
3.21
61-90
3.16
90+
3.01
The Chukar/Redleg
is a small flighty bird
known for its ability
to fly and their zebra
like stripes on the wings. The Chukar Redleg is
a cross between the Chukar Partridge and the
French Redleg Partridge. This mix results in the
Chukar/Redleg being slightly smaller and wilder
than a regualr Chukar Partridge.
SR
30+
3.08
PHEASANT CARE
HOUSE: The brooder house for pheasant chicks should be weather tight, free
from drafts and rodent proof. It can be a special house designed for birds
or a part of another house that can be penned off. Clean and disinfect your
brooder house at least a week or two before the birds are to arrive so it is
clean and dry.
LITTER: Use a course dry litter for your birds. Wood shavings or clean dry
straw, free of mold can be used. If you use straw be sure it is chopped or
flattened so the baby birds can get around. If there are fine pieces in the litter,
it is a good idea to cover it for a few days with burlap or even an old bed
sheet, do not use paper. Keep the litter clean and dry throughout the growing
period.
CHICK GUARD: Use a circle of 12 to 14 inch high cardboard chick guard to
form a draft shield and to keep the birds from having corners to pile in. Use a
3 foot circle for up to 50 birds and a 5-6 foot circle for 100 birds.
WATERERS: Use 1 one gallon plastic fount for 35 birds and up to 3 - 4
for 100. Putting marbles in the water will help the birds find the water and
prevent them from getting in the water and getting wet or drowning.
FEEDERS: Put feed on feeder flats, egg flats or even paper plates for the first
couple days so the birds find it easily. Regular metal reel feeders are fine after
you take out the flats.
HEAT: Baby pheasants NEED 100 DEGREES to start. Red 250 watt heat bulbs
work well, at least two for each 100 birds. Hang the bulb from the ceiling
about 18” from the floor. Heat is the most important factor after feed and
water to the survival of your birds. If the birds are piled in the center, not just
lying next to each other, they are too cold, lower the bulb or add another.
If the birds are around the edges of your circle it is too warm. If the birds
are too cold they will not eat or drink, however being too warm will lead to
14 HOOVER’S HATCHERY
dehydration, either way you will have dead birds. Lower the temperature
about 5 degrees a week. Use a thermometer to know for sure what the
temperature is on the floor where the birds are.
FEED: Feed a 28% to 30% game bird or turkey starter. Do not use a chicken
starter, as it does not contain enough protein. Amprolium in the feed is fine
and a vitamin and electrolyte mixture in the water is a good idea. No other
medication is necessary. If you are going to release your pheasants add oats,
cracked corn or weed seed to their ration at about 4-6 weeks so they can
identify with these foods before release.
SPACE: At day old you should provide 1/2 to 3/4 square foot of space per
bird. Pheasants are very cannibalistic so don’t overcrowd them. At 3-6 weeks
they need one square foot and at 6-12 weeks 4 square feet per bird. Mature
birds need 15-18 square feet of space. At 6-7 weeks of age the birds can go
outside in the daytime in a covered pen. The outside air will help to condition
the birds for release by promoting faster feathering. You can spray the birds
with a water mist to activate the oil and preening glands to waterproof and
harden the birds.
CANNIBALISM: Pheasants are very cannibalistic. Nearly all feather pulling or
worse is caused by overcrowding. Stuffy, poorly ventilated brooder spaces
will also contribute to the problem. If it starts, darken the room if possible.
Cover windows and doors leaving only enough light for the birds to find the
feed and water. Sometimes giving the birds something green, some grass or
even a head of lettuce hung from the ceiling may help. If nothing works, you
may need to debeak the birds.
RELEASING THE BIRDS: Between 6-7 weeks is a good time to release your
birds. They should be fully feathered, this is very important. If they have back
and head feathers missing they will not make it past the first rain storm.
Good weather for the first 48 hours after release is impotant.
FREE SHIPPING! NO HIDDEN FEES! PRICING ALL INCLUSIVE!
S
A
E
N
GUI
ASSORTED
Nice assortment of
at least 3 kinds of
guineas, our choice
(of pearl, white,
lavender or royal
purple).
PEARL
Min. 30. Available
thru mid-July.
Guineas cannot
be mixed with any
other item. Most
common variety of
guinea.
30
4.65
31-60
4.60
30
4.65
61-90
4.55
31-60
4.60
61-90
4.55
91-121
4.50
91-121
4.50
GUINEA CARE
HOUSE: The brooder house for guineas should be weather tight, free from drafts and rodent proof.
It can be a special house designed for birds or another house with a small penned off area. Clean
and disinfect your brooder house a week or two before the birds arrive so it is clean and dry ahead
of time.
LITTER: Use a course dry litter, wood shavings are best. If there are fine pieces in the litter, it is
good to cover it for the first day or two so the birds don’t eat litter instead of feed. Keep the litter
clean and dry throughout the growing period.
CHICK GUARD: Use a circle of 12-14 inch high cardboard chick guard to form a draft shield and to
keep birds from having corners to pile into.
WATERERS: Use 1 one gallon plastic fount for up to 30 guineas.
FEEDERS: Put feed on feeder flats, egg flats or even paper plates for the first couple of days so the
birds find it easily. Regular metal reel feeders are fine after you take out the flats.
HEAT: Baby guineas need 95-98 degrees to start. Do not use red bulbs for guineas. Hang the heat
bulb from the ceiling about 18” from the floor. Heat is the most important factor after feed and
water to the survival of your birds. If the birds are piled in the center under the light not just lying
next to each other, they are too cold; lower the bulb or add another. If the birds are out around the
edges away from the heat, they are too warm. If the birds are too cold, they will not eat or drink;
however, being too warm will lead to dehydration. Either way, you will have dead birds. Lower the
temperature about 5 degrees a week. Use a thermometer to know for sure what the temperature is
on the floor where the birds are.
FEED: Feed 28% to 30% game bird starter feed. It is important for the guineas that the feed is a
fine ground crumble (a mash).
SPACE: Start out with a small space just big enough for the birds the feed and the water. About 1/2
square feet of space is enough for day old guineas; enlarge it as they grow.
DID YOU KNOW?
The most eggs laid by a chicken in one day is seven!
FREE SHIPPING! NO HIDDEN FEES! PRICING ALL INCLUSIVE!
2016 GUIDE 15
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Belmond, IA
Permit No. 54
205 Chickasaw St., Rudd, Iowa 50471
6
1
20
205 Chickasaw St., Rudd, Iowa 50471
800-247-7014
www.hoovershatchery.com
sales@hoovershatchery.com
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NO HIDDEN FEES!
PRICING ALL INCLUSIVE!