4H Fair Broilers

[fryburgfarmer]

I usually get 15 Cornish X birds each June to show at Fair (first week in August). Each year I end up either way under the 7 lb. maximum mark or a few ounces over. Is the 12-on-12-off method best for the rapid growth required? My birds are raised in a coop and occasionally let out in the yard to roam. I want best muscle growth possible!

Thanks in advance!

 

[slingshotandLAR]

sounds like they aren't old enough....

Get them a week or two earlier and they will be much bigger. if your looking for the best growth possible give them all the feed they want.

My birds are tractores and come in just under 5lbs dressed at 7 weeks being fed twice a day.

 

[fryburgfarmer]

sounds like they aren't old enough....

Get them a week or two earlier and they will be much bigger. if your looking for the best growth possible give them all the feed they want.

My birds are tractores and come in just under 5lbs dressed at 7 weeks being fed twice a day.

Thanks! I leave the feeder full at all times though. Is that unethical?

 

[slingshotandLAR]

Thanks! I leave the feeder full at all times though. Is that unethical?

Nope.... They free feed broilers by the millions in this country everyday. I think it's about the goal your trying to attain, people raise different animals for different reasons.

After the fair the chickens become chicken right?

I know around here they have a auction and sell all the animals for processing

 

[fryburgfarmer]

Nope.... They free feed broilers by the millions in this country everyday. I think it's about the goal your trying to attain, people raise different animals for different reasons.

After the fair the chickens become chicken right?

I know around here they have a auction and sell all the animals for processing

Yea, I usually get 15 or more and only 3 get brought to fair. Those 3 are then auctioned off then sent to be butchered, like you said. We send the other 12 to get processed. My goal is for delicious chicken and a blue ribbon!

Thanks!