Cornish Rock Cross

[archerobx]

I was given some birds today and I posted some pictures and found out 4 are cornish rock crosses.

These were someones pets and my wife doesnt want them harmed. So I did some searching and cant find anything about them not being eaten. They woddle already and I am worried about them getting too big for there legs. There toes look alttle bent also.

So any help on what is best for the chickens would be great.

Thanks

 

[Sillystunt]

hummm they are meat birds i believe. i think they get real big fast so you can cull them at 8 weeks or soo....I think

I also think they die early...sorry!
I amsure someone with meat bird experience will chime in

 

[kcfuerst]

Cornish Rocks were built to eat. Normally they are processed at approximately 12 weeks of age to be tender and juicy. Typically, their legs break and they get other ailments when they allowed to live longer. I have found them to be aggressive toward other birds, too.

Perhaps your wife would understand that she would be doing them, and yourselves, a favor by putting them on the dinner table.

 

[cw]

yea sounds like there getting to big for there legs how old are they?
they are probably nearing the ends of there lives, its hard to raise 1 longer then 6 months , but it can be done, probably more trouble then its worth,
you will have to put them on a low protein diet from what i understand, good luck with that

 

[bja105]

Read the meat bird forum, lots of similar posts.

(I'd eat them.)

 

[archerobx]

Yeah they are going to get eaten.

Found a site that said if food is left un restricted they will have heart attacks by 16 weeks. If food is restricted and they are excerised maybe a year.

They are cool looking like feather white basket balls.

Well off to brake the news to my wife.

thanks for the help

 

[coffeelady3]

There are some people who have been able to keep some Cornish Crosses, at least for a couple of years. They need a bit more attention than other breeds. The most important thing is to limit their feed intake. If given the opportunity they will eat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which adds to their growth. By limiting their feed you can slow that down a bit and keep them around a little longer.