Cornish Game Hens

[anthonyjames]

So I have not done to much research on these. But since I am raising slow growing birds and I think the way these are classified is under 5 weeks of age.

Can you all tell me that raise Cornish Hens (Small) do you go by age or live weight?
Also, has anyone raised any FR this way?

I am trying to figure out it I raise some CX strictly for the small how long to raise them or if I can use another bird like the FR and if I can create a market for them.

Thanks

 

[Dennis A]

We use c-x and shoot for 2 lb live. The last ones took three weeks.
Dennis

 

[Liamm_1]

Quote:
So, from the brooder to the table then?

 

[Dennis A]

To the grill. Just a few for people treats.

Dennis

 

[SteveH]

Quote:

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

great pic Dennis! and welcome to BYC!
AJ as I understand your question, you are asking "are they considered game hens by weight or age" I don't know but would like the answer as well . . . Jeff?

 

[Brunty_Farms]

LOL.... it's weight.

 

[DIYSeattle]

What did game hens used to be? Have small cornex 2lb birds always been the cornish games?

 

[averytds]

Quote:
So, from the brooder to the table then?

 

[Brunty_Farms]

As for the history of a cornish game hen I'm not too sure but for the last 20 years or so it's been simply an immature cornishX at an age of 4-5 weeks of age not weighing more than 2 pounds dressed weight. I'm sure the "cornish hen" got it's name from the true cornish and it was probably crossbred after that.

If the weather is decent you can get broiler chicks on pasture at two weeks. Game hens aren't ready until about 4-5 weeks, so that gives you 2-3 weeks on pasture. A 2 pound bird ready to cook at three weeks is unusual, commercially it's done in 28-30 days.

So.... to answer the brooder question... not necessarily. But, if you're wanting to keep them in the brooder I'm sure it could be done.