My first meat birds

[Bossroo]

The recommended way to feed Cornish X is 12 hours with feed then 12 hours no feed per day after the first 2-3 weeks of age. Otherwise they will grow too fast and then may have health issues. You can start to butcher them at 30 days for game hens, 42 days for 3.5 lb friers or at 56 days for roasters. Beyond that you may experience losses as they were developed for the broiler market only, NOT as dual purpose. Good luck.

 

[emsevers]

Do you know how much they weigh when they are the roaster size and is this the weight of the bird or the weight after it's been processed?

 

[jaku]

Quote:
I butcher mine at 8 weeks, and my last batch averaged about 6.25 pounds each. That's after processing. I'd say about 9 pounds live weight.

 

[emsevers]

WOW!!!

That's a lot of meat, right? That's pretty exciting. I can't wait now. I hope the hatchery comes through like they said they would. They're supposed to call me tomorrow and tell me when I can pick them up.

 

[willheveland]

Quote:
I'll bet you'll use about 250+ lbs to get them to the size you want them.If you can, try to find a local feed mill.Someone who mixes their own feed.(look for silos) You'll save a bunch(almost 1/2) with them over the high priced paper bagged feeds.They can help you get the % you'll want as well.The search option here should have everything you need to know. good luck Will
p.s. yes,poo will be really bad if you can't move them.

 

[Three_Blessings]

Get ready for the best chicken you've ever had!!!!

Oh, and they are very messy!