What exactly is a Cornish X?

[Buster52]

I have decided against Cornish X meat chickens but haven't settled on a breed yet. This year we have a bunch of mutts that we are raising for the experience of it.

I was reading a book about poultry breeds and it described the Cornish, and I'm wondering if that is different from the Cornish X. It is described in much the same way, as a chicken with high meat-to-feed ratio and fast growing, huge birds.

There are many reasons I'm not going with the X, such as the difficulty of long term survival if you want breeding stock, and the like. If the Cornish is different and is easier to breed, I may go that rout.

So, what does the X stand for in the Cornish X? What exactly is a Cornish crossed with to get the X?

This is probably an FAQ, but I can't seem to find the answer.

TIA!

 

[vortec]

A cornish x is short for cornish x rock. This stands for the cornish breed crossed with the plymouth rock breed. This cross makes for a more efficient meat bird.

vortec

 

[jaku]

Quote:
It should also be said, however, that if you buy a Cornish and a Plymouth Rock, and breed them, that you will NOT get a Cornish X broiler. The exact "recipie" is a highly guarded secret, which is why everyone is willing to buy them every year.

 

[Buster52]

So next to the Cornish X, would you say the Cornish is the best second choice meat bird?

 

[vortec]

Probably. The Cornish has a lot more to do with the meat efficiency then the plymouth rock does. My barred rocks were 15 weeks old and still not at the appropriate size. I can't think of a breed that would beat the cornish. The delaware might, but I don't know much about those. Maybe somebody else can help you more.

vortec

 

[Agape Builder]

The "X" in Cornish X simply stands for "cross". The Jumbo Cornish X-Rock broilers are simply a hybrid cross between specially selected and bred White Cornish roosters and specially selected and bred Plymouth White Rock hens.