- Mar 22, 2010
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I have raised Cornish Cross hybrids (the white ones that expand like balloons) for two years now, and I would like to try something else, here's why:
Although the first year we only had one loss at 9 weeks, this year has been miserable. Out of 45 birds, we have lost eight: four two heat and four (soon to be five - One is going down that same track and there is nothing I can do about it) to leg problems. And we are only at three weeks! Two of those four were so large that their legs couldn't lift themselves up; consequently, they could get around to the feed and water. When these two died I felt horrible. These birds have been synthetically bred to expand so fast that some of the don't live past 3 weeks because they can't support their own weight!! I don't have a problem using owr knowledge to develop a fast growing bird, but when it starts to get cruel, I start to disagree.
Anyways, I want to try something else. I still would like something that grows fairly fast, just not to the point where it works against them. I don't mind keeping them a couple extra weeks if that's what it takes. I am also interested in something that would range and eat grass and bugs. I same the Freedom Rangers on JM Hatchery's website. They sounded promising. Couple Qs though:
Were the Cornish Xs so tender because they didn't move? Will a bird that ranges around the yard be tough because it is using its muscles?
IT is cheaper/same/ more expensive to raise something like a Freedom ranger? Do they eat more feed since you keep them longer, or do they eat grass in place of some of their feed?
Does any one here raise Freedom rangers? What are your comments on them?
Any other breed beside the Freedom ranger that would meet my needs?
I am just trying to learn more about some other types of meat breeds. I would love any info that you have!!
Thanks so much.
Although the first year we only had one loss at 9 weeks, this year has been miserable. Out of 45 birds, we have lost eight: four two heat and four (soon to be five - One is going down that same track and there is nothing I can do about it) to leg problems. And we are only at three weeks! Two of those four were so large that their legs couldn't lift themselves up; consequently, they could get around to the feed and water. When these two died I felt horrible. These birds have been synthetically bred to expand so fast that some of the don't live past 3 weeks because they can't support their own weight!! I don't have a problem using owr knowledge to develop a fast growing bird, but when it starts to get cruel, I start to disagree.
Anyways, I want to try something else. I still would like something that grows fairly fast, just not to the point where it works against them. I don't mind keeping them a couple extra weeks if that's what it takes. I am also interested in something that would range and eat grass and bugs. I same the Freedom Rangers on JM Hatchery's website. They sounded promising. Couple Qs though:
Were the Cornish Xs so tender because they didn't move? Will a bird that ranges around the yard be tough because it is using its muscles?
IT is cheaper/same/ more expensive to raise something like a Freedom ranger? Do they eat more feed since you keep them longer, or do they eat grass in place of some of their feed?
Does any one here raise Freedom rangers? What are your comments on them?
Any other breed beside the Freedom ranger that would meet my needs?
I am just trying to learn more about some other types of meat breeds. I would love any info that you have!!
Thanks so much.