I wanted to get some meat birds this spring, and as i was browsing privett, they offer broilers, cornish x fast and cornish x slow. What are the butcher ages for these and weight?? Any health issues with the fast? Thanks in advance!!
I don't know if there are fundamental differences between the fast and the slow...there may be. I think so much has to do with what they are fed and the amount. I think there are potentially leg problems with all Cornish X - that is why some people limit their intake instead of 24 hour nonstop full feed. By slowing their growth a little it helps prevent some of the leg problems of the breed.
I have raised and butchered both... Agree that the Cornish X (8 weeks and butcher) need to be placed on a feeding regimen to avoid know issues. I prefer the slow broilers, it gives you an extra month of growth without any issues (in my experience).. I also place them on a feeding regimen, feed during the day only. I also give them over 400 sq ft. of ranging space. They are active and very friendly and at 12 weeks the roos were ~5-7lbs, with the hens ranging in the 3.5 -5lb slot. It really boiles down to to feed to weight ratio's, i.e. cost per pound I'm more into quality vs quantity, so i do prefer the slower broilers, and if you really don't mind the extra time and feed expense, I would suggest raising a good dual purpose chicken. Such as rocks, marans or orpingtons, the wait is worth the extra flavor. I hope this helps. Thanks, John
Hi If you google Hubbard or Sasso. They will have all the different types of broilers they sell. And will give you the amount of days that it takes there broilers to reach a certain weight. But from what I can remember. The Sasso breeds are colored. And can they have fast growth, medium growth and fast. The Hubbard, the Cobb and the Ross. All of them have the fastest growing and fast feathering White Cornish Cross or Cornish X. And now they all are trying to breed out the Suden Death Syndrome and the leg problems. And do have it down to minimal percentages. In my opinion thru reading many genetic reports and articles. I think they have no choice but to stop the growing rate of these broilers. Some countries have a broiler which is 5the pounds in 42 days. Which has changed in the last few years from 56 days. I really want to find some of the Turken or Naked Neck broilers. As they are out there.
