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I have read here and on hatchery websites that you are not supposed to free range CXs - they should be kept relatively confined. Maybe that is the problem?
ETA: Just got this off of a hatchery website re:CX. Maybe your feed wasn't high enough protein?
Feed high protein feed that is 21% or better. Fluid in the body cavity (Ascite) and/or leg weakness may result.
It is definatly hard to free range cornish Rock cross's especially in heat But by no means is it not a good thing I lost alot of birds my first go round due to not knowing a whole lot about CxR But now I got free range down to a science and my birds are still trying to fly at 7-8 lbs and run faster then some of my birds. (its more like a waddle but they still can move.) I am doing our first big process this weekend I expect 4.5-6 lbs dress weight All I have ever done is free range my Cornish and On hot days I keep water fresh and readly avalible in all areas of my yard. (can't really miss a drink here) I don't medicate so its 2 weeks of 24 hour a day feed for my feathered pigs, then I use 12 on 12 off till 2 weeks prior to process time, Then I run them on a corn rich 28% Protein feed 24 hours a day for there last 2 weeks. The only thing I noticed from free ranging my Birds are (1) there to stupid to get out of the rain gladly inviting Chill to themselves. (had this happen and had 30 CxR in my janeway brooder in my front room thawing out for the evening. was stinky
)
(2) they will not only eat all of there feed they will make trips to all the other feeders in the yard emptying them out as well. (3) they never go back into the coop at night there to stupid so they pile outside the tractor half a foot from being inside it. And you just got to shove them inside the rest of the way. (4) They poo worse than my geese and ducks. (5) they are the most affectionate and curious birds on our yard. (there always coming up for a good petting or cooing they love to talk to you.)
those are about the only bad things I can think about my Cornish and there free ranging at this time. I will let you know how this weekend goes.
I have read here and on hatchery websites that you are not supposed to free range CXs - they should be kept relatively confined. Maybe that is the problem?
ETA: Just got this off of a hatchery website re:CX. Maybe your feed wasn't high enough protein?
Feed high protein feed that is 21% or better. Fluid in the body cavity (Ascite) and/or leg weakness may result.
It is definatly hard to free range cornish Rock cross's especially in heat But by no means is it not a good thing I lost alot of birds my first go round due to not knowing a whole lot about CxR But now I got free range down to a science and my birds are still trying to fly at 7-8 lbs and run faster then some of my birds. (its more like a waddle but they still can move.) I am doing our first big process this weekend I expect 4.5-6 lbs dress weight All I have ever done is free range my Cornish and On hot days I keep water fresh and readly avalible in all areas of my yard. (can't really miss a drink here) I don't medicate so its 2 weeks of 24 hour a day feed for my feathered pigs, then I use 12 on 12 off till 2 weeks prior to process time, Then I run them on a corn rich 28% Protein feed 24 hours a day for there last 2 weeks. The only thing I noticed from free ranging my Birds are (1) there to stupid to get out of the rain gladly inviting Chill to themselves. (had this happen and had 30 CxR in my janeway brooder in my front room thawing out for the evening. was stinky
(2) they will not only eat all of there feed they will make trips to all the other feeders in the yard emptying them out as well. (3) they never go back into the coop at night there to stupid so they pile outside the tractor half a foot from being inside it. And you just got to shove them inside the rest of the way. (4) They poo worse than my geese and ducks. (5) they are the most affectionate and curious birds on our yard. (there always coming up for a good petting or cooing they love to talk to you.)
those are about the only bad things I can think about my Cornish and there free ranging at this time. I will let you know how this weekend goes.
