Problem with my Cornish rocks

[mountainmolly]

My first time raising meat birds so I hope this is not a dumb or well-discussed question - did look under threads and did not find any information....

Bought Cornish Rocks from a feed store this year - they are 8 weeks old yesterday. Appt for butchering is Aug 3 since I am not able to do it myself this year due to a recent injury and don't really want to anyways. Last few days I have a few chickens just stop walking. They are big and fat and still eat and drink, but won't walk. Actually, they have just plopped down and don't move. Their legs look okay, good color, no sores, and move when I move them. Noticed one a few days ago, another one yesterday, and then one today that is only using one leg. They are eating commercial feed for meat birds 22% protein. I am wondering if maybe I overfed them and they are just too heavy for their legs? I know they are hybrids and leg issues can happen. Since I didn't make a butchering appt far enough in advance, Aug 3rd is the first I can get them in. I have the non-walking birds in a safe shelter with food and water which they do eat with gusto (if I place it close to them) and drink. They are getting dirty on the bottom side. Should I be doing anything else? Could it be something besides leg issues that I need to worry about? I am in Colorado and we have been having a very hot summer, although the last week has been very wet - torrential downpours with sideways rain and hail. Their coop area did get wet, but I have put dry straw down and they are not walking in moisture or mud. Thanks so much for any help. Patty

 

[leahcim823]

I had the same thing happen with our meat birds, this is our first year with them. One of my roosters is only using one leg and his wings to get around, i have him in a larger dog crate in the coop so he doesn't get hurt. We were trying to wait a few more weeks to start processing them, but i think at least him and one other are going to be done this weekend.

I'm curious to see what others opinions are.

 

[SIMZ]

It may be due to overfeeding and being a small space (are they?). It's the nature of meat birds to get huge and lay around if they can. Some of it may have to do with the heat, too. Personally, I would probably cut back on feed, giving them a bit in the morning and then again in the afternoon. That should help them make it to your butcher date.

It sounds like you're doing everything fine to keep them comfortable and dry.

 

[leahcim823]

I feed them 12 on 12 off, and the get put out every other morning, (they cant seem to get up our ramp) so i carry them in and out. They are getting heavy!!! Mine are due to be processed, but events have came up and they keep getting put off. I told my husband at least 2 have to be done this weekend, and then next weekend at least 1/2 of what left have to be done. I'm weirdly excited, this is our first time processing them. My father has raised them in the past and will be helping us out.

 

[AgroUrica]

I normally process mine between 36 and 42 days. After 45 days I tend to see more leg problems. The birds, by nature, are lazy. Add a predisposition for leg problems and this is the result when they get big. All in all though sounds like you did a good job of getting them to market weight.

 

[mountainmolly]

Thanks everyone,

I have cut back on feed ... I was feeding twice a day, although they were always acting so hungry that I will admit that when younger I did give food in the middle of the day at times. I like the 12 on, 12 off idea so might try that next time. The chickens do have space and I have been "turning them out" with the ducks every day but they pretty much only want to move fast when they see me and think I am going to feed them. I knew there would be a learning curve so started out small. I have had people tell me to wait until 12 weeks to butcher, but that will be a lot of feed and these guys/gals are chubby and look tasty right now! I must admit that I am surprised at how much meat these birds have on them - much more than what you buy in stores. I will try to keep the three problem chickens happy and healthy for one more week! Thank you all again.

 

[rswojo]

Cornish X Rocks are known for leg problems as you said. They also tend to pile up on each other and die on hot days. Their leg bones will be bent and crooked as you will notice when you eat them. Their legs are also prone to breaking. They grow too fast and their bones don't keep up.

I raised them for 2 years. Their legs were so bad that they just flopped from the feeder to the waterer and back again. In the process their breast feathers got full of **** from the floor and they were disgusting to butcher. Because they couldn't walk they couldn't free range. They are better than store chicken but not by much. I had some that weighed 11 pounds but I don't want chickens that big.

I would get some White rocks next time.

 

[anchutka]

I butcher one Cornish X when she stopped to walk on one leg. I found a big mess in that leg. The skin and meat was turning greenish color. The tendons where broke...

 

[rswojo]

Probably a broken leg due to weak bones. When I butcher mine I catch them by the legs. I had several snap when picked up by the legs. The leg turns all different colors of green, purple, red immediately and has to be thrown away.

 

[Mtn Margie]

Thanks everyone,

I have cut back on feed ... I was feeding twice a day, although they were always acting so hungry that I will admit that when younger I did give food in the middle of the day at times. I like the 12 on, 12 off idea so might try that next time. The chickens do have space and I have been "turning them out" with the ducks every day but they pretty much only want to move fast when they see me and think I am going to feed them. I knew there would be a learning curve so started out small. I have had people tell me to wait until 12 weeks to butcher, but that will be a lot of feed and these guys/gals are chubby and look tasty right now! I must admit that I am surprised at how much meat these birds have on them - much more than what you buy in stores. I will try to keep the three problem chickens happy and healthy for one more week! Thank you all again.

I am at 8600 ft and only get the red broilers for meat. They have never had leg or heart issues. Sounds like they are ready to go, especially if they are the classic CX's. Most CO feed stores only carry the slower growing CX, but mistakes can happen. Hope you have a great harvest on the 3rd !