First Run of Cornish Cross Meat Birds and Super Excited!

[eHuman]

Dang if those don't look like turkey drumsticks... Now if only I could raise Cornish x coturnix...

 

[Birdinhand]

my flock is eating me out of house and home and my local coop ran out of organic broiler feed. they have turkey feed, but I'm a little leery of trying it since I've read about problems that CX can develop if the protein is too high. has anyone used a 26% formula with CX in the last two weeks before harvest, is it a non issue?

 

[JRNash]

I wouldn't think it would be a problem as long as you don't free feed them

 

[Birdinhand]

thanks, did a search and found another thread where someone had used turkey formula without issue. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/786532/appropriate-feeding-for-cornish-cross

 

[cyborg]

thanks, did a search and found another thread where someone had used turkey formula without issue.  https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/786532/appropriate-feeding-for-cornish-cross

I STARTED my CX on 30% turkey starter, but dropped the protein down to 20% by 3 weeks, and now down to 16%. They are at 10 weeks now, happy and healthy, and averaging 10 pounds. No health problems noted in the few I've "sampled".
With the high protein feed, I would definitely do restricted feeding.

P.S. mine are Cobb 500 line from Cackle Hatchery.

 

[duluthralphie]

thanks, did a search and found another thread where someone had used turkey formula without issue. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/786532/appropriate-feeding-for-cornish-cross

DO NOT DO WHAT THIS THREAD SAYS!

Yes, you will get large birds fast. What it does not tell you is the losses you will suffer, the leg problems, kidney, heart and number of cases of Ascites you will get.

Using 26% game bird feed or 24% "broiler" feed makes little or no difference to the outcome. It will be the same. I have tried this. I thought I would buy just one feed on one batch of CX's instead of one for turkey poults and another for chicks....


I was an idiot. Chicks died. Turkeys flourished.



That said I will feed game bird starter to chicks (not CX's) for a short spell if I have them in the same brooder.

Just as if you are in the last 10 tens of life for the CX's I doubt the game bird feed would hurt them much. Just know they will be pooping out a lot of protein. ie CASH!!!

When you buy feed, protein seems to be what drives the price. At 7 week or 8 weeks you have got most the "growth" you are going to get in a hurry. What is it, a chick grows 400% in the first 8 weeks then it slows down. Why waste the money?


You might gain a little more weight? But is it worth the risk if you have used the slow growth method for 7-8 weeks to change?

Actually, if you want to add something to their feed a week before you butcher, I would add carbs...CORN, or BOSS.

It will give them energy. It will give them a nice layer of fat under the skin for that great flavor when smoked or grilled... I know JR is not a fat fan. I am, so I do these things towards the end..



What ever you do will not make a lot of difference in 10 days time. other than on the pocketbook...

But if you are keeping any for breeding. DO NOT DO ANYTHING! Just feed them low protein feed (limited amounts) and free range...



I know I rambled in this post. Sorry, I have a wicked nasty cold, near pneumonia, my meds have me half loopy at this moment. I should not have posted, but hated to see you waste your money.

 

[duluthralphie]

I STARTED my CX on 30% turkey starter, but dropped the protein down to 20% by 3 weeks, and now down to 16%. They are at 10 weeks now, happy and healthy, and averaging 10 pounds. No health problems noted in the few I've "sampled".
With the high protein feed, I would definitely do restricted feeding.

P.S. mine are Cobb 500 line from Cackle Hatchery.

I am glad to see you found a system that works for you. A 10pound bird is an accomplishment to be proud of. Now go for 15...LOL

 

[JRNash]

DO NOT DO WHAT THIS THREAD SAYS!

Yes, you will get large birds fast.  What it does not tell you is the losses you will suffer, the leg problems, kidney, heart and number of cases of Ascites you will get.

Using 26%  game bird feed or 24% "broiler" feed makes little or no difference to the outcome.  It will be the same. I have tried this.  I thought I would buy just one feed on one batch of CX's instead of one for turkey poults and another for chicks....


I was an idiot.  Chicks died. Turkeys flourished.



That said I will feed game bird starter to chicks (not CX's) for a short spell if I have them in the same brooder.

Just as if you are in the last 10 tens of life for the CX's  I doubt the game bird feed would hurt them much. Just know they will be pooping out a lot of protein. ie CASH!!!

When you buy feed, protein seems to be what drives the price.  At 7 week or 8 weeks you have got most the "growth" you are going to get in a hurry.  What is it, a chick grows 400% in the first 8 weeks then it slows down.  Why waste the money?


You might gain a little more weight?  But is it worth the risk if you have used the slow growth method for 7-8 weeks to change?

Actually, if you want to add something to their feed a week before you butcher, I would add carbs...CORN, or BOSS.

It will give them energy. It will give them a nice layer of fat under the skin for that great flavor when smoked or grilled... I know JR is not a fat fan.  I am, so I do these things towards the end..



What ever you do will not make a lot of difference in 10 days time. other than on the pocketbook...

But if you are keeping any for breeding. DO NOT DO ANYTHING!  Just feed them low protein feed (limited amounts) and free range...



I know I rambled in this post. Sorry, I have a wicked nasty cold, near pneumonia, my meds have me half loopy at this moment. I should not have posted, but hated to see you waste your money. 

Ralph I hope you feel better soon. I just got over bronchitis,I know its rough in hot weather. Take care of yourself Doc. We need your input.

 

[JRNash]

Now im trying to figure out how to slip turkey poults past the wife. I'm wondering if she would notice....... she did notice the incubator, I lost some tail feathers.lol

 

[duluthralphie]

Now im trying to figure out how to slip turkey poults past the wife. I'm wondering if she would notice....... she did notice the incubator, I lost some tail feathers.lol

It would take me about 12 minutes to get an import permit for Texas and have them in the Mail Monday morning....NPIP certified!