meatie diet question

[plreef]

I have 37, 3 1/2 week old Cornish Rocks from Ideal. Right now they just over a pound in weight. I put the on broiler crumbles. 22% protein. Should I add in crushed corn into their diet?
Ideal says that they can reach 6 pounds in 6 weeks. I just don't see that happening. I have never raised meaties before. I'm I on the right track or should I change their diet?


Thanks.

 

[jbhill]

We raised Cornish X meat birds (straight runs) last year and they weighed about 26 oz (1.63 lbs) at 3 weeks. At 4 weeks they weighed 47 oz (2.62 lbs). They gained nearly 20 oz per week. We started butchering at 6.5 wks & finished @ 7.5 wks with an average dressed weight of 5.54 lbs. The larger birds were over 7 lbs & the smaller birds were 4.5 lbs.

Their main food was Purina Flock Raiser @ 20.0% protein. They were moved daily in the grass. We did add corn but I don't believe it was absolutely necessary.

Are you chickens caged, free range, grass fed,...? Free range chickens tend to dress smaller because they are more active.

Hopefully this info helps you.

 

[plreef]

Right now they are in a large brooder in the basement... Stinky stinky!!! Next week they are going out into a chicken tractor when they get feathered out.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Do not dilute their diet with corn. This will change the amino acid:energy ratios and result in fatter animals. At this stage the birds need the Amino Acids to meet the demands of protein growth.

Jim

 

[jaku]

Stick with the broiler feed- you shouldn't need any corn.

 

[plreef]

So do you think that they can still gain 3 to 5 pounds in the next 4 to 5 weeks? I know they grow fast but thats alot weight to gain.

 

[plreef]

I just weighed them. They are averaging between 1.3 and 1.6 pounds.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Quote:
Keep feed in front of them during the day and water all the time and they will get big FAST.

 

[jaku]

Keep doing what you're doing, and you'll have 9 pounders (live weight,) at 8 weeks.