lifespan?

[Duck mommy 2019]

if i were to buy a couple boiler chickens AS PETS NOT FOOD how long could they live?

 

[Trevorusn]

if i were to buy a couple boiler chickens AS PETS NOT FOOD how long could they live?

If you are looking at Cornish/Rock crosses, it's not so much how long, but the fact that after a few months they will sadly not be able to walk much at all. Because they are bred for fast meat development, their musculature develops too fast for their bodies. Not only does walking become difficult, but their hearts often give out as the organs do not develop at the same pace as well, leading to heart failure.

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

If you are looking at Cornish/Rock crosses, it's not so much how long, but the fact that after a few months they will sadly not be able to walk much at all. Because they are bred for fast meat development, their musculature develops too fast for their bodies. Not only does walking become difficult, but their hearts often give out as the organs do not develop at the same pace as well, leading to heart failure.

is there any supplements we can give them to help this? we already buy supplements to help our pekins with genetic leg issues and it seems to help

 

[cluckmecoop7]

They will probably not live past 20 weeks. If you want pets you are better off getting a friendly /egg laying breed like a Buff Orpington or something.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It is anybody's guess. They aren't intended to live more than 8 or so weeks so it isn't the best breed choice for longevity.
IF you can limit their growth, it could alleviate leg, heart and circulatory problems.
When I waited too long to butcher a couple, I became enamored with the fat little waddlers when they came running when they saw me.
If you are looking for a long lived pet, they would be the last thing I would recommend.
I have to ask why you would consider keeping a bird genetically selected for rapid growth and a short life span as a pet choice?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

is there any supplements we can give them to help this? we already buy supplements to help our pekins with genetic leg issues and it seems to help ❤

If you want a pet then why are you asking about getting something bred for meat?

 

[Trevorusn]

is there any supplements we can give them to help this? we already buy supplements to help our pekins with genetic leg issues and it seems to help ❤

Unfortunately supps cannot change or alter their genetics. It is actually more humane to butcher at 8 weeks than let them continue growing, as after that many problems start developing sadly.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

is there any supplements we can give them to help this? we already buy supplements to help our pekins with genetic leg issues and it seems to help ❤

Ducks leg issues aren't genetic per se. It is nutritional requirements of ducks.
The issue with chickens genetically selected for rapid growth is just that they get too big after 8 or 9 weeks (sometimes much earlier, for their musculature to support the body.

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

If you want a pet then why are you asking about getting something bred for meat?

to give a “meat” bird a good life

 

[cluckmecoop7]

to give a “meat” bird a good life

That wouldn't be a humane to keep a bird mean't for meat longer then it is supposed to live. If your gonna get one you'll need to butcher it or let it die a painful, terrible death. Is that giving it a good life?

How about you do something to help meat bird factory's treat their birds better if you want to help.

A meat bird is meant for meat. If you want to give it a good life, take good care of it before you butcher it. Then, butcher it humanly.