Cornish - Are they only for meat?

[jerseygirl1]

I saw some Cornish chickens at the Poultry Show last month - are they only for meat? Can they have a full life as a regular kept-chicken? Do they have a shortened life span if not butchered prior to a certain date? Just curious, since it was a cute little thing. I haven't got a clue about them, so please, I am just looking for info
Thanks

 

[Ryu]

The Exhibition Cornish live just as long as other chickens. They are active healthy birds if given the room to move and exercise.