Questions About Feed For Dual Purpose Birds

[Haunted55]

This is probably a really dumb question but......If you are raising a dual purpose roo for meat what do you feed them? Do they get the same feed you would give to the Cornish X birds or would you feed them the same as any other chicken? I have raised 3 groups of the Cornish and they have always been huge! Like small turkeys instead of the normal 6 - 10 lbs. that others seem to get. I have started them on the 24% then switched to the 20% and finished with the 16%. I would like to be able to raise birds for meat that do not have the 8 - 10 week life span and health issues the Cornish X have. Something I could slaughter as I needed, instead of doing a year's worth at once.

 

[Haunted55]

Anybody? I really don't know the answer and would like some input.

 

[Island Roo]

Here is the advice I was given for the same question...

Feed them like meaties. Or use a higher protein mix - the dual purpose birds can grow faster on the higher protein without the problems that cx do.

Just don't keep any dual purpose hens on the high protein.

That what I've done this year. Last year we had pullets with the boys so we went to a lower protein. They don't appear to be bigger than last year - or have any problems. Just the usual young roo mentality.

We're taking these ones to 21 weeks - last year it was 18 weeks.

We're going to continue 20% until the last 2 weeks - then they get mostly whole grain (fermented).

 

[Haunted55]

Thank-you so much for the info! I had a feeling this was the case but didn't know and didn't want to cause problems with the birds.

"Just the usual young roo mentality" is perfect. First smile of the day is always the best! Thanks for that as well.