First Run of Cornish Cross Meat Birds and Super Excited!

[Lauravonsmurf]

Good news guys I though one hen was becoming an egg eater, but no eggs have been found broken now for several weeks. Maybe the hens were having a dust up tift around the nesting box and accidentally breaking eggs... 2 birds seem to have more dominance issues than a larger flock in my experience so far... very interesting behavior wise.

 

[duluthralphie]

I think that is a cross, I do not recall what it is to make it. Half the cross is a polish and the other half is either Pea or Single comb.

@jerryse had told me how to make those a year or so ago.

 

[Dave C]

There 12 weeks now!
Haven't weighed them yes but they feel meaty enough.

This is the Slow growth x Medium growth Sasso's
Like the medium growth Sasso's they have bad movement and probably wouldn't make breeding age.





One of The Sasso x Marans



This is the most suitable slow growth Sasso Rooster to keep for breeding next year

 

[GreatBreeder]

So for the Sasso x Marans, so you use alternative, slow, or medium growth males?

 

[Dave C]

I only kept 2 slow growth roosters last year as the medium growth had bad movement.
I also kept back all the slow growth hens which layed solid all winter and are still going strong.
I also kept back 4 medium growth hens 2 made it through the winter to breed but only 1 remains now.

To be honest all of the breeders kept back last year could do with being culled out as they are tatty and worn out, but they have done there job and as soon as this years keepers are laying las years birds will be in the freezer.

 

[GreatBreeder]

Sounds like a rough experience. I've probably asked before, but where did you acquire your original breeding stock, because from those numbers you don't sound like you'll be meeting the 500 minimum order.

 

[Dave C]

Not rough at all
If it doesn't work out as expected, they taste lovely

A guy I know was importing eggs from France and I've had them from him for years.
Last year he said he may be packing in so I tried breeding them.
And here we are.

 

[GreatBreeder]

When I get into breeding my Broilers, I'll be able to acquire intermediate growth females and males, and slow growth males.

 

[JRNash]

Dave that Maran cross looks like he is getting long in the leg! Good looking birds

 

[JRNash]

I have no idea how I attached a file to Dave's post!! If "Ugly Chicken" makes another spring this guy here will be her new partner