what breed are we???

[kacappi]

Got 12 mystery chickens at tractor supply. They will all be hens we just dont know what kind..,we kind of thought leghorns. They are almost 3weeks old and 9 of them are getting quite big 3 of them are smaller and have longer wings. They fly around a bit and get on top of the feeder and waterer. They also seem a bit more aggressive...

[/IMG]

 

[keesmom]

The smaller white ones are Leghorns. The larger ones could very well be Cornish X.

 

[Wyandottes7]

The 9 large ones are probably Cornish Cross broiler chickens. The smaller ones may be White Plymouth Rocks or White Leghorns.

 

[BantamLover21]

The 9 large ones are probably Cornish Cross broiler chickens. The smaller ones may be White Plymouth Rocks or White Leghorns.

I agree.

It will get easier to tell as they mature.

 

[kacappi]

Ok help me out here...do the cornish lay eggs?

 

[keesmom]

Cornish X are meat birds.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Ok help me out here...do the cornish lay eggs?

Yes, Cornish X can lay eggs. However, Cornish X broilers are made for meat production. Under most conditions, they grow so fast that by 8 weeks or so, they must be butchered. Otherwise, they suffer leg problems (because of their heavy weight) or heart attacks. Some people do keep Cornish X broilers to maturity, by restricting the feed, and report that hens will lay eggs. But, it requires careful monitoring of feed.

 

[kacappi]

Oh my gosh this would definately explain their size already. Excuse my ignorance but i am new at this...although meat is good lol i guess i have some more reading to do now to educate myself on cornish. Thanks so much i am so grateful for this site!!!

 

[Michael OShay]

The 9 large ones are probably Cornish Cross broiler chickens. The smaller ones may be White Plymouth Rocks or White Leghorns.

Yes, Cornish X can lay eggs. However, Cornish X broilers are made for meat production. Under most conditions, they grow so fast that by 8 weeks or so, they must be butchered. Otherwise, they suffer leg problems (because of their heavy weight) or heart attacks. Some people do keep Cornish X broilers to maturity, by restricting the feed, and report that hens will lay eggs. But, it requires careful monitoring of feed.

I agree on both counts, and would suggest butchering those Cornish cross at 8 weeks. Even if you manage to keep them alive until laying age, they are never going to make good egg producers for you.