- Feb 19, 2010
- 7
- 0
- 7
We've got 6 Cornish X and 6 layers - barred rocks and Ameraucanas. They are all the same age and we got them the same day. Holy Cow! The Cornish X are scary, they are growing so fast. They are easily twice the size of the others. My concern is that they seem to be overheating a little, but the other chicks are just fine. Am I going to need to build another brooder, or can I just keep trying to set the lamp so it's somewhere in the middle, with the Cornish X a little warm and the others a little cool? It almost seems like the Cornish X are panting from time to time. We moved the light as far as we could without freezing out the other little guys.
Also, do the Cornish X really ever get out of the brooder? if they are ready to butcher in 6 - 8 weeks, then that's when they normally would be going outside to the coop with the others, right? It's pretty much straight from the brooder to freezer camp.
These poor, gigantic chickens. I feel sorry for them. I know that they were pretty much bred for this, but geesh. They waddle over to the food and collapse and eat, then waddle over to the water and collapse and drink, then waddle off and take a nap. All the other chickens are very active, running about, exploring the brooder, pecking at interesting things, etc. I really think we'll probably pick another, slower growing breed for meat next time. We're not trying to save money - we were just looking for a healthier, more animal friendly alternative to the factory raised chickens.
Also, do the Cornish X really ever get out of the brooder? if they are ready to butcher in 6 - 8 weeks, then that's when they normally would be going outside to the coop with the others, right? It's pretty much straight from the brooder to freezer camp.
These poor, gigantic chickens. I feel sorry for them. I know that they were pretty much bred for this, but geesh. They waddle over to the food and collapse and eat, then waddle over to the water and collapse and drink, then waddle off and take a nap. All the other chickens are very active, running about, exploring the brooder, pecking at interesting things, etc. I really think we'll probably pick another, slower growing breed for meat next time. We're not trying to save money - we were just looking for a healthier, more animal friendly alternative to the factory raised chickens.