First Run of Cornish Cross Meat Birds and Super Excited!

[NiaAbbott]

Hi everyone! I just found this thread and will be stalking it from now on I'm new to CX's. We got 20 of them 4 weeks ago today, I like them all right, but not as much as my layers. I feel like these guys are horribly ugly... maybe it's just the 'tween' stage they're in. but as of now, I will have no problem eating them...




My first attempt at a chicken tractor... meh... I'll do better next time...

Coconut, my favorite cuddle bug, she will lay her head back on my neck (when she's not trying to eat my camera) and coo at me while I scratch her neck <3


My lovely ladies, clockwise from buff- Blondie, speck, Coconut, Chickoletta, and Pecker ( names compliments of my children )

 

[JessicaThistle]

Hi everyone! I just found this thread and will be stalking it from now on I'm new to CX's. We got 20 of them 4 weeks ago today, I like them all right, but not as much as my layers. I feel like these guys are horribly ugly... maybe it's just the 'tween' stage they're in. but as of now, I will have no problem eating them...

Welcome Nia! You have a lovely flock! Yep the CX are in their tween stage. These birds of course are very different from your layers. They will never be as beautiful. But, they are cute in their own way and have happy little dispositions.

 

[PlaidBattleAxe]

Woohoo! If I can offer any advice I would be happy to help. I'm no expert and am seeing this all through new eyes but I never miss an opportunity to observe, learn and share what I learn if it can help someone! I hope you enjoy this adventure as much as I am!

Just placed my order with Moyers Chicks today! I've ordered 25 of them, and they're due to be shipped on August 7th. So excited!! Now the prep begins

 

[holm25]

Oh, I know feeding them 4 times is extra work. LOL! But I work from home and sometimes I just need to tear my eyes away from the stupid computer! It gives me an excuse to go hang out with them and get refreshed. I suppose I don't really need an excuse to do it but it works. These little guys just make me smile.

Chicken Marsala sounds yummy! Just a few more weeks for us!

Just a few more hours for us!!!

 

[JessicaThistle]

Just placed my order with Moyers Chicks today! I've ordered 25 of them, and they're due to be shipped on August 7th. So excited!! Now the prep begins

Yay! Congratulations!

 

[JessicaThistle]

Just a few more hours for us!!!

How'd it go?

 

[holm25]

How'd it go?

It went great it took about 3 hours to butcher 50 we have about 175 left to butcher!!

 

[LindaB220]

It went great it took about 3 hours to butcher 50 we have about 175 left to butcher!!

Oh man, tell me you had lots of help. Fifty in 3 hrs is outstanding. Joy of a plucker.

 

[JessicaThistle]

It went great it took about 3 hours to butcher 50 we have about 175 left to butcher!!

Oh man, tell me you had lots of help. Fifty in 3 hrs is outstanding. Joy of a plucker.

Yes, I was wondering how many people you had too! I was worried about how long 28 would take us and that we may not be able to do it one day. It will just be my hubby and me. This is our first go around though, so I fully expect it to take us longer than a more seasoned crew. We will have a plucker. My husband built it and during test, the coupler broker. Another one is on the way and I know we will be good to go!

 

[JessicaThistle]

This week has been extra crazy but I have videos from week 5 and week 6 to post. If I don't get to it on Sunday, I guess I will be posting week 7 at the same time as the rest.

All of my chickens have been doing great this week! They are spreading far from the tractor at free range time. My hubby got a bunch of apples from a customer that they are loving nibbling. When I put them to bed at night, they have full crops.

I got my first egg from my layers: She chose to lay it on my husbands tool box in the racing trailer. She subsequently also laid egg 2 and 3 in that same spot. I don't know if I can break her and make her lay in the nesting box. Silly chicken! I heard egg song from one of my BOs this morning but no egg yet. I am excited that more are on the way soon!



I have a Gold Laced Cochin Roo and 3 Silkies that I adopted several weeks after I got my laying hens. I am still trying to integrate them all together. My little Roo is seriously showing some excitement, doing his little dance for my layers and chasing them. He is a very #orny little guy. They free range together every day and I'm not pushing them into the same sleep space. I hope it works out. Sheesh, I wouldn't want to have to deal with him. He is a stinker, but beautiful.



Never a dull moment when you have 40 chickens!