Care of Broilers

I'm getting my second flock of Cornish Cross (2 pullets, 2 cockerels) this May (the first one I got 6 years ago and had no idea what I was doing, and even the fact the the chicks I got were broilers), and I'm going exhibit them in the my county fair at 8 weeks of age (market age) then sell them at auction. So, I wanted to get the correct information on how to raise them.

I know that 1 square foot per bird is sufficient, and that to feed them a Starter feed ration for the first six weeks (brooding period) and then a Finisher for the last two weeks, along with the correct % amounts in protein, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P). I've had plenty of other poultry, so I know all of the brooding requirements for light, feed, water, temperature, etc. I'm not keeping them with my other flock.

I'm wondering if anyone has tips on brooding and such, and also if I should sign my chicks up for leukosis (Marek's) immunization, debeaking, or a coccidiosis vaccination, according to if meat-type birds are especially prone to any of the mentioned diseases or cannibalism. I didn't think it was necessary since I will only have them for 2 months, but I thought I should check. Thanks!

I never bother with any vaccinations because we usually butcher at 8 weeks. The only problem with Cornish Cross is that since they are bred for fast growth, they can suffer heart/lung problems. Sometimes their organs can't keep up with the fast growth. It is recommended to limit the amount of feed around 5 weeks. If you see that they are breathing hard and combs getting pale, we will butcher them right away so we don't lose them meat. When showing your birds, make sure they are clean. Good luck.

4-H chicken mom said:

I never bother with any vaccinations because we usually butcher at 8 weeks. The only problem with Cornish Cross is that since they are bred for fast growth, they can suffer heart/lung problems. Sometimes their organs can't keep up with the fast growth. It is recommended to limit the amount of feed around 5 weeks. If you see that they are breathing hard and combs getting pale, we will butcher them right away so we don't lose them meat. When showing your birds, make sure they are clean. Good luck.

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Thanks for the information! I will make sure they'll clean. So, how should I limit the feed? Up to five weeks have food available at all times, then only feed them in the morning, and any idea how much they should get?