First Run of Cornish Cross Meat Birds and Super Excited!

[Morrigan]

Took a trip down the poultry aisle since I never really paid attention to how big a processed chicken was. 4-5lbs processed would be plenty big for me (my wife is a veg-head) to get 4 servings out of. How big would that be before processing? If I fed them (cx) regulated amounts of FF how long would it take to reach that size? My understanding is after 8 weeks they could be nearly 10 lbs? I would also want some in game hen size (2-3lbs processed). If I got a straight run of 15 when could I process the hens to reach that size? Or should I order 7/8 of each to guarantee equal numbers?

I was told to plan on a dressed weight of around 70% of live weight.

I butchered my first 12 CX at 7 1/2 weeks of age. The smallest was 4 lbs and the largest was a little over 5 lbs dressed. I still have 6 hens and 1 rooster left to butcher and, at 8 1/2 week old, I think some of the hens are just now getting to be 4 lbs dressed.

If you got a mixed run and processed around 7 weeks, you would probably have some hens in the 3 lbs range and some roosters in the 4 to 5 lb. range.

 

[Morrigan]

Sorry I missed the Kilos thingy,,

I butchered at 40 days on my first group and that was the 4-5 lbs range. I would think around 30 days would be game hen size, but I am guessing.. I go for JUMBOS!!

and I love them so much I keep putting off the day..

That's a monkey wrench in the plan for sure! And, why I still have 7 meaties running around my yard.

 

[LindaB220]

Took a trip down the poultry aisle since I never really paid attention to how big a processed chicken was. 4-5lbs processed would be plenty big for me (my wife is a veg-head) to get 4 servings out of. How big would that be before processing? If I fed them (cx) regulated amounts of FF how long would it take to reach that size? My understanding is after 8 weeks they could be nearly 10 lbs? I would also want some in game hen size (2-3lbs processed). If I got a straight run of 15 when could I process the hens to reach that size? Or should I order 7/8 of each to guarantee equal numbers?

Yeah, I'd say 40+ days would get you a good processed 3 1/2 - 4 lbs. Just like the grocery stores. Maybe up to 50 days.

 

[JessicaThistle]

The charts say that they could be 10 pounds after 8 weeks but that is if you feed nonstop and don't let them move, like the commercial chicken processors. Mine weigh anywhere between 4 to 6 pounds dressed at 8 weeks fed measured amounts a couple of times per day and free ranged.


11mini: What breed is that in your avatar?

 

[11mini]

That's Maggie she is a Black Sex Link. I got her to replace the first Maggie that I thought was a barred rock hen, turns out He was a cuckoo maran. He went back to the rooster bin and I got her.

This is Molly. No eggs yet, probably not until spring.

This is Lucy, was laying well then started molting, has not restarted laying yet.

 

[11mini]

This was Maggie #1

 

[JessicaThistle]

That is weird. They don't look the same. Haha! In the avatar pic, her neck looks very red and her back looks black. Two of my rescue chicks are like that and I had hoped I was able to figure out what the heck they are! Bummer. She is a very pretty bird though.

 

[mountain mom]

OKAY, I am gone for one day and I have missed over 30 posts!

First, I only have 8 chickens. I can't remember the count, but add 8. I would have hundreds, but chicken poop freaks DH out. Along with AppleJack eating it.

Second, well, I don't remember. I may have enjoyed some delicious CX thighs with my vodka tonight.

The socks... Ralphie, rainbow toe socks are so up your alley. Really, any toe socks... Halloween, Christmas, Easter... you name it. I love socks. I just choose to wear closed toe shoes with them. For the sake of my children. And my husband... pretty sure I would be single if I wore socks and flip flops.

I have noticed our CX took a bit longer (and I had "reasons" for dragging out the butcher date to really reach a size that made it worth butchering them. I think because I controlled how much feed, and let them free range. I didn't want sick chickens. I know they say 6-8 weeks... we did 10 weeks and they really could have gone another week or two for jumbos like Ralphie likes

Ralphie, your one frog mommy looks exactly like Pearl! I will post a pic of her tomorrow. identical.

Jessica- your 3 amigas are adorable! My silkie picks on Pearl... she is a splash though, so maybe it is a color thing. We have a Dixie Rainbow that is white... her and Pearl are pals. BUT my silkie and Pearl cuddle on the roosting bars at night.

 

[JessicaThistle]

OKAY, I am gone for one day and I have missed over 30 posts!

First, I only have 8 chickens. I can't remember the count, but add 8. I would have hundreds, but chicken poop freaks DH out. Along with AppleJack eating it.

Second, well, I don't remember. I may have enjoyed some delicious CX thighs with my vodka tonight.

The socks... Ralphie, rainbow toe socks are so up your alley. Really, any toe socks... Halloween, Christmas, Easter... you name it. I love socks. I just choose to wear closed toe shoes with them. For the sake of my children. And my husband... pretty sure I would be single if I wore socks and flip flops.

I have noticed our CX took a bit longer (and I had "reasons" for dragging out the butcher date to really reach a size that made it worth butchering them. I think because I controlled how much feed, and let them free range. I didn't want sick chickens. I know they say 6-8 weeks... we did 10 weeks and they really could have gone another week or two for jumbos like Ralphie likes

Ralphie, your one frog mommy looks exactly like Pearl! I will post a pic of her tomorrow. identical.

Jessica- your 3 amigas are adorable! My silkie picks on Pearl... she is a splash though, so maybe it is a color thing. We have a Dixie Rainbow that is white... her and Pearl are pals. BUT my silkie and Pearl cuddle on the roosting bars at night.

You can't miss a day on this thread. Haven't you figured that out yet? Haha! I missed a couple of days and had 6 pages to catch up on. By the time you read all that you can't remember who said what to respond to. Ah well, we are happy and enjoying eachother's company.

Ralph may wind up single too if he started wearing toe sock with his flip flops! He may also be disowne That would be a hilarious sight!

I don't think it's a color thing on the silkie picking on her. My silkies pick on Sunny too. As long as she does what they tell her too, she is fine. They are gentle with her though, unlike my laying hens. They are bullies. It's like Mean Girls part Hen around here. I think the silkies appreciate her warmth on cold nights.

 

[mountain mom]

You can't miss a day on this thread. Haven't you figured that out yet? Haha! I missed a couple of days and had 6 pages to catch up on. By the time you read all that you can't remember who said what to respond to. Ah well, we are happy and enjoying eachother's company.

Ralph may wind up single too if he started wearing toe sock with his flip flops! He may also be disowne That would be a hilarious sight!

I don't think it's a color thing on the silkie picking on her. My silkies pick on Sunny too. As long as she does what they tell her too, she is fine. They are gentle with her though, unlike my laying hens. They are bullies. It's like Mean Girls part Hen around here. I think the silkies appreciate her warmth on cold nights.

I agree! On all points really. Missing more than a few hours can be devastating.

My Dixie still pushes Pearl around a bit, but in a loving manner. Clyde (the silkie) does too, just slightly more aggressive because she is at the bottom and enjoys pushing someone around. The rest can be downright mean. In pecking order terms.
I have even seen our "rooster" hen snuggling Pearl on cold nights... all about the extra body heat!