At almost 3 weeks old I have separated the CornishX and the standard breed chicks and everyone seems better off for it. The little ones were getting shoved around by the CornishX when it came to food. Now everyone is much more calm. Continuing the fermented feed for both. Am still feeding free...
This is my first time with Cornish Crosses, although I've had chickens for 5 years now. My question: what works for you raising these meat birds? Fermented feed? Do you raise them alongside your heritage breeds? Do you restrict their feed? Mine are about a week old now and are twice as big as...
I think you did an excellent job of processing by yourself on the spur of the moment! Kudos to you! You did what was best for the bird and didn't let your own emotions stand in the way of doing the right thing.
So how much did the finished carcass weigh?
They do look more buff colored than red colored. That being said, I think you've got some sex links there. I believe different hatcheries use different crosses to achieve their sex links which could explain why some are more red colored than others. I picked up 1 chick a few years ago from a...
I highly recommend the "killing cone" method. It is much less mess and also seems less stressful for the bird. No bruised meat either. No flapping. Give it a try and see if you like it better. We sure did.
Interesting! Are ISA Browns different from hatchery Red Sex Links in that they are patented? Seems like I've heard each hatchery has their own "recipe" for the RSL, is that true?
Hopefully you'll be able to find a WR roo that would suit your needs if you decide to go in that direction. Bruce...
Now you've piqued my interest in White Rocks, especially since I get my girls from MPC also. How would you compare them to Barred Rocks as egg producers? Same?
It's taken awhile, but I've read through the whole thread! Bee, your story is so inspiring. Heartbreaking at first, but what a change in the birds' health once you got them back! What a testament to your natural husbandry practices!
And like many here who have been following along, I've made...