Cornish X batch cracked corn only?

[Matrix Escapee]

Where would they get the Methionine that they need? And calcium?

 

[Beekissed]

My niece did this very thing and they turned out great! She then found she couldn't muster up the nerve to kill them, so I got the benefit from her corn fed CX...they were older than the recommended processing age at 6-7 mo. but were still good, quality meat and they were all healthy as horses. Could move well and had no visible health problems...tasted great!

My ol' granny never fed her layers anything but shelled corn she produced on her farm and they also free ranged...all did very well on this "unhealthy" nutrient-poor diet and produced eggs for the family.

 

[jeepguy982001]

i think they would do fine on just the corn also. As far as nutrients being needed i'd just give em some kitchen scraps and they should be ok.

 

[ericnash]

I agree with flock master. In my opinion the point of raising your own meat birds is to make a healthy food for your family and to treat the animals humanly before consumption. They should have a full diet that consists of high vegetable proteins.

 

[Matrix Escapee]

In the context of how potter raises birds, it seems risky. When you are raising CX in batches of 100 and expecting to harvest in 7-8 weeks, 100% corn does not sound like it is gonna prevent the stress that comes with having a huge batch of birds in a a daily move pen on pasture.

 

[FarmingForFun]

Baby chicks need protein thats just the way it goes.

 

[Country Parson]

Where would they get the Methionine that they need? And calcium?

I believe corn contains all of the 10 essential amino acids, including methionine (though perhaps in minimal amounts). It is added by the meat bird industry because it increases efficiency...i.e. Methionine helps burn fat and add muscle rapidly. As the OP doesnt mind slower growth, this isnt an issue (and I say the less fat burned the better).

 

[Matrix Escapee]

As others mentioned, what about protein. I guess by slow growth, it would go from 7-9 weeks to a 4-5 lb bird to 20 weeks plus?

 

[Beekissed]

I guess I'll be finding out soon. As soon as my chick starter is done, my CX will be eating only cracked corn, barley and wheat~fermented. They will also be free ranging. I'll let you know how long it takes them to get to a processing weight.

 

[Vamvakas]

My dad had some cornish chickens and feed them chick starter for like first 2 weeks then went on to corn only.. They did grow fast the corn but had alot of fat on when we killed them them. I guess it was the carbs that made there meat kinda fatty and not lean.... Better off just using turkey food for the cornish