Backyard Fowl Keepers

That's a lot of feed per bird! I raise Orpingtons, and even my biggest roosters don't eat that much. Could it be that they aren't processing nutrition efficiently? Maybe a different feed would help?

Wow, losing four birds in three months is a big deal. Did you notice any symptoms before they passed? It might be worth getting a necropsy done on the next one to confirm if it's metabolic or something else.

I appreciate this detailed review! I was about to order some Bielefelder chicks, but the health issues and high feed costs are concerning. Have you tried any other large dual-purpose breeds?

Have you weighed your birds regularly? If they're reaching excessive weights too quickly, you might try restricting feed access for a few hours a day to slow them down. Some meat birds need that to prevent health issues.

Interesting! I have one Bielefelder rooster, and he's actually my most mellow boy. He does eat a lot, though. I think this breed might not be the best for a small backyard flock unless you really love big birds.