Meat Chickens

[Rammy]

Just got 10 Cornish cross meat birds. Freezer camp in a few weeks.

Should I get feed for meat birds or can they eat regular chick feed?

 

[Rammy]

Thank you for whoever moved this. I wasnt sure which forum to put it in.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Any feed should be fine......... and may god have mercy on your soul!!!!!!

 

[Rammy]

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

So you can feed the regular chick feed if you have a pref. I move mine to broiler feed at week 2, which is also when I put then out to grass.

 

[Timothy Menezes]

I haven’t done Cornish cross so this is just a thought. I am told that broiler feed not only has more protein, but also Niacin which their fast growing skeletons need or they can get leg issues. If you do the low protein stuff I would add the extra Niacin for strong legs, just as you would for ducks.

 

[duluthralphie]

Try regular feed... but limit them to about 30 minutes a day.. preferably in the evening.. let them pasture all day..

It will take them a little longer to reach full weight .. maybe 9-10 weeks.. but you will have a healthier larger better tasting bird.

 

[Birdinhand]

The key, in my experience, is using a MHP and ditching the heat lamp all together. I like the cobb 500 strain, they stay active longer, till about 5-6 weeks. if they get into a normal sleep cycle, they will self restrict to eating only during the day and can be left with feed 24/7 without leg problems. the MHP vastly simplifies and balances the whole thing. I transition to grower formula by day 10.