First Run of Cornish Cross Meat Birds and Super Excited!

[Dave C]

From what I've seen so far with my birds,the slow broiler x rocks looks to be the best to date.Im going to try the Saipan over the broilers and see what happens. The saipan are slow maturing but have massive breasts and a wide back

They sure will make a big bird with a strong frame to carry it

Look forward to seeing your results.

 

[cyborg]

I've heard of them,but I don't know if we have them. I understand your dilemma with "all frame" I don't for the life of me see how Jersey Giants were EVER considered as a meat bird.

Things are there to be improved on.
If our traditional meat breeds were that good we wouldn't need to cross them or have hybrids and where's the fun in that

Hopefully the large frame of the Ixworth will complement the meat yield of the broiler, will know more in about 4 months.
If it works well I will then have to think about the next addition of pure breed or broiler as I think the 3 way cross will be the base of my project before I start crossing back for type.

JR, its funny that you should mention that. I have also been disappointed with the (hatchery) Jersey Giants. I was talking about this with my wife last night, and these are the projects we have in mind:

1) breed some pure Jerseys back up to what they should be.

2) work on a Jersey over barred rock cross (you remember the pic of my barred JG rooster?)

3) do some experimenting with a JG/CX cross, and possibly a CX/BR cross.

 

[cyborg]

And while I'm thinking along these lines, I also have a very large, very dark, New Hampshire rooster that might like a little CX nookie.

 

[duluthralphie]

It makes me laugh that we are on different sides of the pond but trying to breed similar projects.
Yes it has to be sustainable for me as well.

Similar to you guys I'm looking to start with slow broilers, they are the chicks I picked up on Saturday, the Sasso that are being crossed with the Ixworth are medium broiler types, they will make an interesting cross back to my slow broilers next year.
I'm then wanting another line which will be medium broiler X DC X rocks.

Are you guys looking to eventually breed true with your projects and uniform color, markings etc ?

I could care less about color, I just want HUGE birds..

Bert Jr is a the perfect example for me.

 

[JRNash]

Me,I'm with Doctor Ralph. Can't eat feathers. I want large meaty birds

 

[duluthralphie]

Me,I'm with Doctor Ralph. Can't eat feathers. I want large meaty birds

If I could get Bert Jr to reproduce I could be rich, instead of a pauper living from pension day to pension day....Stupid Bert! Jr.

 

[Dave C]

I could care less about color, I just want HUGE birds.. Bert Jr is a the perfect example for me.

Sounds like I'm on the right thread then

What's up with Bett JR is he too big ? Nice looking Labs as well. I have a pair myself

 

[pdbrannstrom]

I'm new at this so I hope my comment is in the right place. I'm an accidental cornish X owner, at what point are they ready to ummm you know...cook.

 

[JRNash]

I'm new at this so I hope my comment is in the right place. I'm an accidental cornish X owner, at what point are they ready to ummm you know...cook.

Welcome,that really depends on what your wanting. If you want a single serving bird or a feed the family bird.

 

[bluto in mo]

@6-8wks or maybe even 12 weeks.