Cornish hybrids

[Darrell Cunningham]

Cornish cross hybrids grow fast how long dose it take for them to mature and lay eggs . Want to breed a hen with a Marans too see if I can make a nice meat bird .

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Marans are already nice meat birds... Select for the qualities you like in your breeding stock.

 

[Darrell Cunningham]

But how long for Cornish x to mature

Marans are already nice meat birds... Select for the qualities you like in your breeding stock.

ok how long dose it take them to mature

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sorry for not answering your question.

No true experience with CX... but many other breeds. Very few will start laying by 16 weeks. Most between 18-24 weeks during these long daylight hours. In late fall/winter could be much later. Some have been as late as 35 weeks. It will vary by individual genetics as well as daylight and diet. I never hatch from the first dozen eggs or usually not until a couple months after laying has started to help avoid embryo deformities caused by hiccups from the reproductive system getting started and working out it's kinks.

If you want a CX to breed... I'm gonna recommend you slow the growth a little from the start by ensuring a night time cycle using non light emitting heat source. 20% protein feed first 8 weeks. 18-20% after that. Slowing the rate at which they add weight will allow the bones and joints, ligaments and such to catch up a little and better support the bird for a more natural mating/fertilization. For what it's worth.. The Purina flock raiser 20% protein has been a good choice for my flock. I never switch to layer (16% protein) as that is the minimum amount for light breeds such as leghorn but dual purpose breed such as Marans and Rock (I know nothing of standard Cornish) will do best on not less than 18% protein. I just offer crushed oyster shell free choice on the side for mature hens. The younger birds sample but are able to avoid in their regular feeding.

If I was growing it as a meatie, I would not be making the previous suggestion.

For my heritage grow outs and chicks such as Marans... I like to feed a 28-30% protein game bird or turkey starter.

Hope this was more helpful.