Latest time of the year for last batch of meaties?

[Elphaba2140]

Hi. I processed all of my purebred and mixed breed layer cockerals this Spring and just finished last week. I have been following the Meat Bird threads but haven't seen one that asks this question. I want to know what month or dates do you all order your last bunch of meaties for processing so they are finished before Winter? I want to try a small batch of Cornish X so they will grow the fastest. I don't mind if they are smaller so may start processing at 6 weeks. And if you have a preferred hatchery, where do you order from?

 

[TimG]

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From my reading, heat slows down meat birds more so than does cold. At least once they got to be about 3 weeks old. How late you can start your meat birds will depend a lot on your brooder setup and your climate.

 

[Cowgirl71]

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I'll be getting my first meaties this August. I'll be ordering them from Welp Hatchery. According to several customer reviews I've read from various websites, they have one of the best (if not THE best) broiler strains, with VERY reasonable pricing!

Here's a link!

www.welphatchery.com/cornish_rock.asp

 

[Elphaba2140]

I live in northern Illinois. We have had some 90 degree days but mostly it has been in the upper 80's. It starts to cool off here about the beginning of November.

 

[JohnL11935]

I've started as early as March 15th with putting them outside on April 1st.

This year I will process the last batch the second weekend in November.

Just like JoeG, I believe either end of extreme weather impacts growth rate. This past April when it was particularly cold and wet I felt my birds were burning more calories keeping warm than they were growing meat. Then when we see temps in the 90's they don't eat as much feed - especially if the feeder is located in the sun.

So I think the answer to your question will depend on your location, and your set-up as far as wind blocks and cover for winter and shade for the summer.

I order CX's from MMM and FR's from JM Hatchery.


Hope this helps.