Where to get Cornish X Birds from?

[jamieneenah]

Hello;

My first batch of Cornish are almost done, next time around, I will do a much smaller batch, maybe 20.

My current batch of cornish are dressing at 3 to 4 pounds between 5 and 6 weeks. I got them at TSC.

There is a hatchery locally I can order from that sells cornishX for around $1, I don't know much about them, they are called Sunnyside in Beaver Dam, WI.

I looked at Mcmurry, I have heard good things about them. I looked at there Jumbo Cornish cross, they start at $1.85 each. There site says: "Males will dress from 3 to 4 pounds in six to eight weeks". I wonder if they are just being conservative or if there birds do grow a bit slower? (since I achived that weight in 5 to 6 weeks with TSC birds).

Any thoughts on if there is any value in buying the more expensive birds from Mcmurry vs just getting them locally?

Thanks
Jamie

 

[muell112]

We got ours from Estes hatchery - http://www.esteshatchery.com/ - they are just under 5 weeks old and probably ~3 pounds. We were told by a friend to take their food away at night and have been mixing broiler food with chick starter. So I'm expecting they'll grow a little slower. This is our first time with chickens and they seem to be doing quite well.

 

[jamieneenah]

Quote:
Hi,
Thanks for responding. After about 3 weeks, I took food away at night, or let it run out and wait to fill it again.

I mixed my own food. It is high in protein, I aim for 24%, but might be a bit higher than that even. I've also fed oats, wheat, alfalfa, sunflower seed, and some corn. I don't know if I've had a bit faster growth because I fed a higher protein diet?

Jamie

 

[Judy]

TSC buys from the major hatcheries like McMurray and Ideal. You might ask the manager where theirs came from.

 

[jaku]

Buy them from the hatchery closest to you. They all come from the same few suppliers, so if you get them locally, they'll do better, due to less changes of hands and time in boxes.

 

[Southerngirl]

Our batch from Mcmurray last year dressed out between 6-9 pounds at 9-10 weeks. They were HUGE !! They are worth your time and effort when all is said and done. Good luck .

 

[scarter]

A local gal just recommended Sunnyside to me yesterday at 4-H for my meaties. She said that's where they get theirs and they are good and cheaper than McMurrays.