Cornish X Leg Problem?

[Warfrost]

Quote:
I hope YOU didn't misunderstand what I was saying about people pushing emotions on animals! Lol. I think if you can get some improvement in the short term then go for it. I know people who have gone to unrealistic extremes to keep their animals alive, and it was a terrible thing to see these creatures suffering unnecessarily just for the sake of their owner "keeping the pet they love". I wasn't intending to insult you for trying, but to be a bit more detached as far as an opinion. I understand the love for a pet and I hope it works out for you!

Actually, it just occurred to me...I wonder if there isn't something out there that could retard the growth of these types of "fast-grow" fowl. Like people with hormone issues that take medications to reduce the amount of growth hormones released by their pituitary glands. I'm not really sure WHAT it is that causes these birds to grow at the rate they do- but maybe researching that could help you out. It is obviously a genetics thing- but it may be reversible or at least something you could retard with feed or meds(or maybe a surgery?). Good luck!

 

[cassie]

There is a simple way to solve the problem of the growth of the Cornish X. Get a different breed. These are meat chickens. They are outstanding for that purpose. But they aren't good for much else. If a person decdes what it is they want a chicken for, there is a breed out there that will fill the bill.

 

[woolymama]

How long have they been known to live before they are too miserable to continue?
Friends of ours went to our local TSC and bought what they were told were all red sex link. One turned out to be a Cornish (now that the children are attached to her) and she is now 6 months old, huge, and the other hens are picking at her vent like mad, poor little waddling thing.
And they laughed at me when I drove 2 hours to get my chicks from a knowledgeable poultry farmer.