I need help determining what this is

[sourland]

I didn't want a meat bird...is it inhumane to let it live? It has taken on the roll of a rooster protecting the 5 youngest hens.

Cornish X raised in conjunction with non meat birds on a limited feeding schedule can have a somewhat longer life span. Your bird does not look extremely heavy. You will know if his quality of life decreases, and then can make a decision as to what must be done. For now he looks quite good for a meat bird.

 

[Kiki]

I got him/her at Tractor Supply with my other hens 13 weeks ago.

Is he having trouble walking yet?

 

[That_australian_lad]

just a big roo

 

[tjones33]

Cornish X raised in conjunction with non meat birds on a limited feeding schedule can have a somewhat longer life span. Your bird does not look extremely heavy. You will know if his quality of life decreases, and then can make a decision as to what must be done. For now he looks quite good for a meat bird.

Thanks he does have to rest quite often but gets around well enough...would the meat still be tender enough now or not?

 

[tjones33]

Is he having trouble walking yet?

He rests a lot...but gets up into the coop well enough but he does seem to be stressed all the time.

 

[Kiki]

Thanks he does have to rest quite often but gets around well enough...would the meat still be tender enough now or not?

Meat is never too old to cook...especially if you have a pressure cooker.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Thanks he does have to rest quite often but gets around well enough...would the meat still be tender enough now or not?

As he has been more mobile than com raised cornish cross and is older than average processing age there will be a difference in texture from store bought chicken meat...but any age bird can be prepared to be quite tasty. The older the bird the slower/moister the cooking should be...or pressure cook as noted above