I want some roosters too, I think . . .

[chickenwhisperer]

In my first attempt at raising meatbirds, I had 2 roosters in with the cornishx.
They really looked to be fattening up on the mixture of broiler and gamebird I was feeding them.
Then the dog got them all . . .

I wonder how they woulda turned out . . .

Just now, Im reading a post about some $60 for 100 rooster chicks . . .
That is a phenominal deal!

I, however, do not need 100 of them.
Lets say I order just 1 single hen chick from a hatchery, will they send me 24 rooster chicks to go with it as packing peanuts?
That would be about the perfect size order for me.
If I were to only get, say, less than 8 roosters it wouldnt be worth it to me, Id drive to the feed store and pay retail . . .

I dont know why I want to try to fatten up some roosters for the bbq so bad, but I just do . . .

I know they wont turn out like the cx, but I hear they can be tastier

As before, I look at the cornishx too long and I get hungry . . .

 

[jaku]

I think you should be able to get just a few of them for next to nothing (if you can't get them for free.) You'd think hatcheries would want to get rid of them more, but I don't think they'd send you one hen and 24 packing peanuts. Just order 25 roos- McMurray has roos for less than $1 apiece in the layer breeds. Or, check Craigslist or find a local hatchery. $60+ shipping seems like an awful deal for birds that they probably cull the majority of if you don't need that many. You'd think they'd almost do it for their cost.

 

[LeghornJosh]

Well i am going this morning to my post office to pick up my latest order of Cornish X chicks, I ordered all males. 37 of them. The reason i chose the males was the faster weight gain. I plan to raise them to about 13-14lbs live weight. If my math is correct i should be able to achieve this by June 19th for butchering. This is my first time raising meat birds. If you want i'll let you know how everything turns out. As far as free roos go i would check your local classifieds. I can't imagine you will get any for free from hatcheries.

 

[scubaforlife]

Quote:
Much over 6lbs and they start dropping like flies. Make sure they don't get too hot.

 

[chickboss]

You may want to check out Schlecht Hatchery. Their Jumbo Cornish X are going for $.88 straight run, $.80 pullets, and $.98 for cockerlls. I don't know what shipping would be, but thier prices are the cheapest I have seen so far. Sex-Link cockerlls are $.65 and the rest of their stock it seems is sold as st. run at $1.30 to $1.40 per bird. I don't know anything about their reputation, and haven't ordered from them myself, but may be worth a try.

 

[chickenwhisperer]

Ya know . . . I never even paid any mind to the price listings of rooster chicks, or bothered to look before posting here.
But I guess Im just lookin for a cheap swindle.

I had also gotten to thinkin . . .
Has anybody ever seen cornishx hatching eggs for sale?
I cant have a rooster, so cant make my own . . .

Ill prolly just end up back at the feed store lookin for the biggest and oldest rooster chicks they got.
Shipping is too much these days.
(that $60 deal was shipping included tho . . . I could never deal with 100 cornishx, I want this to be a fun adventure, not work)

 

[chickboss]

Maybe you could see if anyone in your area would go in on the Cackle deal with you. That way you don't have to deal with so many, but still get a cheap price per bird.