I do NOT like cornish x's.....

[KatyTheChickenLady]

there will be a lot of people her who disagree with me but I put mine out at 1 week old (nights around 50) with no light. They are doing fabulous. Healthy, happy & foraging adn not half as stinky as my friends who got hers the same day as me. Her's are slightly larger so I think that mine are using some energy for body heat, but I find it a good thing.
I'm curious what hatchery you got your meanies from . . . although I too suspect the empty feeder is the cause for the aggression.

 

[augustmomx2]

This is my first time raising meaties and I have been really happy with their personalities. I have 15 Cornish Xs, that were ordered from Ideal Hatchery. It looks as though I have 7 males and 8 females and they are all just over 6wks old. I feed mine 12hrs on/off. Every so often, the roosters will give eachother the "stare down" until one sits down

They are scared of me though, I have not handled them whatsoever, so they are not comfortable when I'm cleaning or in the tractor re-arranging something.

 

[Michele S]

Mine were really nice and friendly. I did not have any problems with aggressive behavior.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Quote:
A few things made your experience a nightmare.....

1) Never mix ages of different Cornish x's (they compete for food which you found out)
2) Never mix layers with Cornish x's (it's always a bad situation unless you have lots of space and feeder space)
3) You need more feeders. (everyone should be able to eat pretty much at once)

This happens a lot with this breed and it's a shame. Simple management issues could have made your life 10 times easier.... however to get you out of the problem that your in you need to separate all three groups... age 1, age 2, and layers.... Give them more feeders and make sure they never run out of water.

Try DP breeds such as Buckeyes, Delawares, Plymouth Rocks, Orpingtons.... they may be a much better fit for your situation.

 

[ChikeeMomma]

Quote:
I live in Michigan and I got my meaties and layers in the middle of March (still can be pretty chilly). They have always lived out in the coop with a heat lamp. I do still turn on the heat lamp if it's going to be colder than 45 degrees at night (mine are 5.5 & 4.5 weeks old). I did let my chicks outside to run around at three weeks old, but they could go back in the coop if they wanted. They do love it! And with my chicks being meaties and layers mixed, I do make sure that they all can get to feed very easily.

 

[jaku]

Your problem is that your hungry farm animals aren't polite?

They should be fine going outside at 3 1/2 weeks. If you're worried, just put a heat lamp out with them.

 

[CoopCrazy]

Get them nasties out side.. Mine have been out for 3 1/2 weeks and have done fine.. If we get a frost advisor I would turn the heat lamp ono .. But otherwise no extra lights.. Mine seem very sweet unless its feed time.. I did have a few trying to fight the other day but they have controlled themselves now...

 

[Beekissed]

I've gotten meaties(20) for the first time and have them in a open air broody pen with a broody White Rock hen as a surrogate mother. They are nearly 2 wks old and are feathering out nicely and eating quite a lot. They seem very nice but sure are good eaters.

I will be putting them out with my free ranged flock next week and see how they fare. They will have to compete with the big girls for food and have to forage throughout the day...it should be interesting how they do. The WR is a great mama and I have no doubts she can keep them protected and safe....I'll watch them closely the first few times of flock interaction but my flock are not aggressive towards others~too busy looking for good stuff in the grass!

I'll have to see how they progress before I declare this experiment worthwhile and a success, but so far, so good.

 

[Overeasyplz]

My first time doing meaties myself here and I only have 12. So far they are super-gentle and i haven't been bitten yet. i think I got a good batch.

 

[tnchickenut]

Quote:
OMG! That is exactly what I am going through with these Delawares I have about 8 weeks old now. They are not of my stock. I have had MANY Delawares and these act like you described. NEVER had that problem before. I can't wait to eat these. THEY DRAW BLOOD! And the feeder and water may even still have food and water, I take it out, clean and refill... and when you put it down they bite you and go after the feed like they have been starved for weeks!!!

I feel for you. Just think, though, you get to process yours before I get to process mine. LUCKY!

Now, with all that said, maybe you should try some of MY Delawares for a meat bird.

Seriously, mine are not like that at all.