Cornish Crosses feed question

[Alarry31]

I wouldn't, too much protein and well let just say you'll end up with a s--- show. Lol I would switch to a broiler feed middle of the road protein if Thier able to free range. Higher protein if they are not

Plus we are hoping for the poop to fertilise the yard lol

 

[U_Stormcrow]

While its true that Broiler needs decrease as they age towards table, and that market weigfht can be added by increasing the fat content of their feed in the final weeks, I suspect you will find that keeping them on most "Starter" type feeds is simpler and still adequate to the task.

Here is the 1994 recommendation of the NRCS for raising Broilers, back when protein levels were used as an indicator of the underlying amino acid levels:

and most of 15 years later, here's the amino acid levels they cite approvingly for raising broilers on to maximize yeild:

There are very few off the shelf feeds which are going to provide those Methionine and Lysine levels, and none of them are labeled "Layer". A handful of "Starter/Growers" and maybe a couple of "All Flock" provide those numbers. No "maintenance" feed that I am aware of.

 

[Bags]

Plus we are hoping for the poop to fertilise the yard lol

Are you using a chicken tractor? That would work perfectly. Move it on to fresh ground every day

 

[Alarry31]

Are you using a chicken tractor? That would work perfectly. Move it on to fresh ground every day

We have built this once they can regulate there temp we still need to add a tarp on top

 

[Manie]

I've raised Cornish Cross for several years. I start all my chicks on a mix of start and grow/turkey feed. At 3 weeks, I feed just start and grown 18% protein. At week 7 I finish them on Turkey feed at 20% protein. I have had VERY few loss at those are within the first week after receiving the chicks. The average process weight of the last 2 flocks I've raised this way was 5.75lbs at 8 weeks. I CO-OP around 300 birds a year, and since I switched to this feed schedule my production has been a huge success! The processor where I take them always rant and rave at how big they are, and how pretty they process.
As for covering them in cold weather, I do this when temps dip below 35, VENTILATION! is key make sure the tractor has plenty of fresh air flow, I usually leave a corner out of the direction of any wind open. Usually at week 5- 6 I move the tractors twice a day, this not only keeps them on clean fresh grass, but also reduces the possibility of introducing Cocci, E-Coli and Salmonella. For brooder, I would not keep it outside at all, I have a room in our barn that has my brooder boxes in it, I have a heater in there to keep the temp constant, I use only brooder plates, never a heat lamp. GOOD LUCK!

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

The first two weeks I used a higher protein chick starter (20-22%, can't remember). But after that I used 18% protein feed all the way through with my Cornish X and had nice results. The first bag was broiler feed from Meyer Hatchery. After that, I couldn't find 18% protein broiler feed, so I gave them Purina 18% chick starter/grower feed, and then Nutrena 18% chick starter/grower feed.

I know I'm only basing this on personal experience, but I think if chick feed is all you can find, then it should be okay. I went with 18% protein because that's what Meyer recommended for their broilers. They said sometimes it's the higher protein content that contributes to the leg/heart issues (amongst other factors), but I know a lot of people still shoot for 20 or 22% protein. I would also recommend the 12 hours on 12 hours off feeding schedule regardless of the protein content.

Good luck!