What's the heaviest lbs you let CornishX grow?

[MinnerBuckwheat]

What is the benefit of butchering a smaller bird? Just wondering because mine are a month old and slaughter time is right around the corner. I am feeding 7 children though, so I was thinking bigger is better. BTW, I'll be canning most of mine.

 

[PotterWatch]

We sell our birds and shoot for a whole processed bird to weigh between 4 and 5lbs. That seems to be the most desired weight for a whole bird. I think that many people see a larger bird as being more difficult to cook and they don't want to deal with the leftovers. If you have a small family, you don't need a really big bird.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Quote:
I agree, a 9 pounder is way to big just for us two, heck even for three people. Fortunately I found a lady that had 4 kids and a husband to feed to buy the biggest ones.

 

[cassie]

I had to delay processing last year, and some of my chickens dressed out at over 16 pounds. I didn't weigh them live.

 

[stormylady]

Quote:
do the meat birds get tough and stringy like the other dual purpose birds do if they get too old????

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I've heard they do, but I think it's more in how long you rest them and how you cook them.