Does it matter if they are male or female?

[Fancie]

I'm thinking of raising cornish, but wasn't sure if it really mattered if they are male or female... also would that be the best breed to go with for a meat chicken... or do you have a better suggestion.

I was going to go with either the cornish asst. or the heavy breed asst. Ideal has.

https://secuservices.com/ideal/newideal/selectproduct.aspx?qty=1&ID=AHP&Product=408

https://secuservices.com/ideal/newideal/selectproduct.aspx?qty=1&ID=ACORS&Product=323

Pros & cons?

Thanks

 

[bigredfeather]

I would recommend the Cornish as a great meat bird. They are quick growing, large breast chicken. As for as sex, I would go with straight run. With straight run you will get a variety of sizes. The males will get larger sooner than the females. Straight run is ideal if you want some smaller fryers and also some larger roasters. Both male and females have the same feed conversion rate. At 7-10 weeks, with the exact same raising conditions, the males will be larger. Most places I've checked, straight run chicks are the cheapest.

 

[Snakeoil]

I agree with Bigred.

 

[Indiana hens]

Black Jersey Giants are the tastiest chicken that I have ever eaten! They take longer to grow; but are a real body builder of a chicken! BIG chickens and the hens lay regular also!

 

[jaku]

I agree with BigRedFeather. Cornish X's are great. Straight run also gives you some options. You can process them all on the same day, and have two different sized birds, or process the males one day, then the females a week or two later. If you want them all the same size at the same time, get them sexed.

 

[Kezzie]

Has anyone tried McMurray's Dark Cornish's? How would they compare to the Cornish X's?

 

[Brunty_Farms]

No comparison in size, texture, taste, ect. The dark cornish is nothing more than a dual purpose.