New to Meat Chickens

[Chicken03]

I was thinking about getting some meat chickens this spring. What is a good breed to start with? What about a good number? I don't think I'll be selling any just enough for the family. Are they raised much diffrently than any other chicken? Thanks for any replys.

 

[feetsoup]

If meat is your goal, Cornish X can't be beat. There's a ton of information on different threads here about the peculiarities of raising these birds; just look around!

 

[gkeesling]

I'm going to get some meat chickens this spring and I'll be getting cornish x. They grow very fast and can be processed in about 8 weeks.

 

[jaku]

Go with Cornish X, and I'd get 25, which is the minimum for most hatcheries to ship. I wouldn't start with more until you get it figured out.

 

[Chicken03]

Thanks for the replys. I am planning on leaving the chickens in my small field in fenced in areas. As long as they have protection form the weather, do they have to have a coop or can they stay in the pens at night?

 

[jaku]

No need for a coop. Mine stay in a tractor all night.

 

[mountainpridefarm]

I am assuming jaku means a chicken tractor...just in case that may be your next question!

 

[jaku]

Quote:
Yup.