What breed? and male or female?

[Chicken Girl1]

I didn't know this until after I purchased them and now I'm sad for them :/

I've heard of people raising them as pets and making their lives as comfortable as possible, if you search on BYC I'm sure you can find them.

 

[chelnic90]

I've done some research and it almost always ends in heartache for the pet owner as the birds die from heart attack or some other ailment. As you said they are bred to their own detriment

 

[MillersFarm]

Thank you again! And here are the other 3!

All of these are cockerels, You might have one pullet in their but next time i'd suggest ordering sexed chicks online so you don't end up with a whole bunch of cockerels

 

[drumstick diva]

x 2

 

[drumstick diva]

Cornish cross are generally "Processed" at 8-10 weeks of age, before their legs break down from the weight, or their organs give out from such rapid growth. Sometimes if you force them to exercise by moving the feed dish farther and farther away, and allow them to free range with other birds- they won't gain weight so fast.

Some folks leave food with them 12 hours a day and removed for 12 hrs. so they can't eat themselves into cardiac arrest. Out free ranging they may start scratching for bugs etc. and have a more normal weight gain.

I don't know of any that made it to a year. But if you socialize them they can enjoy the attention.

 

[chelnic90]

All of these are cockerels, You might have one pullet in their but next time i'd suggest ordering sexed chicks online so you don't end up with a whole bunch of cockerels

Thank you >.< I'm actually wanting to order some online. I have looked at Hoover's Hatchery. Can you make any recommendation? Also, what am I to do with so many male birds?! I can see the benefits of keeping one friendly pretty boy but 6 ugh lol.

 

[chelnic90]

Cornish cross are generally "Processed" at 8-10 weeks of age, before their legs break down from the weight, or their organs give out from such rapid growth. Sometimes if you force them to exercise by moving the feed dish farther and farther away, and allow them to free range with other birds- they won't gain weight so fast.

Some folks leave food with them 12 hours a day and removed for 12 hrs. so they can't eat themselves into cardiac arrest. Out free ranging they may start scratching for bugs etc. and have a more normal weight gain.

I don't know of any that made it to a year. But if you socialize them they can enjoy the attention.

I really appreciate those suggestions! I get them out several times a day and let them run around. As of now they are fairly active. I also scrounge for insects outdoors and have taught them to dig in the wood shavings for them. Right now they seem fairly happy. I just struggle with the idea of...erm.. processing...something I have raised.

 

[chelnic90]

These are the Cornish Cross birds now

 

[MillersFarm]

Thank you >.< I'm actually wanting to order some online. I have looked at Hoover's Hatchery. Can you make any recommendation? Also, what am I to do with so many male birds?! I can see the benefits of keeping one friendly pretty boy but 6 ugh lol.

I've only ordered from Mypetchicken. Mostly because they're pretty close to me (In Ohio) And the employees are super helpful and friendly. Most orders I get from them are pretty good, Sometimes i'll end up with a roo or two but they re-fund me on it completely. I ordered 60 sexed pullets in November and 62 came in, Just 2 cockerels out of the 62.
Here's a link to their website https://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Day-Old-Baby-Chicks-c36.aspx

 

[chelnic90]

I've only ordered from Mypetchicken. Mostly because they're pretty close to me (In Ohio) And the employees are super helpful and friendly. Most orders I get from them are pretty good, Sometimes i'll end up with a roo or two but they re-fund me on it completely. I ordered 60 sexed pullets in November and 62 came in, Just 2 cockerels out of the 62.
Here's a link to their website https://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Day-Old-Baby-Chicks-c36.aspx

Thank you so much!