Age needed I have know clue! Please help

[sallyjayd]

This are Cornish rock? What age do you think they are? Is there a way to tell how old they are? I have never had chickens before.

not that it matter but I was guessing with my years (oh wait it only been days) experience this is a rooster?? Seeing it with the others?

Thanks

 

[danielbrown]

They look about 5-6wks.
Where did you get these from?

BTW cornishX do not make good pets, very high death rate after 12wks.

 

[Judy]

Yes, Cornish Rocks are meat birds, bred to be slaughtered around 8-12 weeks, and very often have heart attacks or broken legs after that as they are bred to grow out very quickly. A few people on here have grown one out to maturity, but it takes knowledge of the breed to do this.

 

[sallyjayd]

Got them from tractor supply. I knew they were "meat"

I got them so I could get my "egg layers"

anyway 8 weeks they start killing them? Wow I'm not going to be able to.

THEY ARE SO SWEET!!!!

My husband said it a mercy kill. Do they really died anyways? THEY are so sweet they follow me everywhere!! unlike my "egg layer"

how can I tell when they are ready to go?

and does it make a difference if they are roosters or hens?

 

[Big dreams]

I feel bad for you, some time ago I read a post on here where some said something to the effect of "you have broke the rules, and played with your food" I thought then if ever we have chickens to butcher they are staying behind the shed and far away from me!!!

 

[danielbrown]

Quote:
Do to TSC common mislabeling of chicks people seem to get meaties instead of layers and/or pets way too often.

Husband is right, CornishX are bred to grow to market weight as fast as possible. They are very docile so they don't pick each other when over crowded. People who raise them expect some to die before they are ready to process. After 12wks the death rate really climbs. They have very little chance of living past a year. They have a very low tolerance of heat compared to normal chickens. So the summer is going to be rough on them.

Sex doesn't matter, the rooster are going to be slightly bigger at the same age. Your guess on the which is the rooster is correct.

You already gave them a much better life than a poultry house would have given them. you could find somebody to do the deed for you if you can to it, or let them life out their lives.

Good with them and don't get attached your food.
I have some CornishX and Muscovy ducks for meat and I don't handle them much.