When we think of meat chicken breeds, we often have a picture-perfect, fat, heavy-breasted, white bird in our minds. But the truth is, there are many different breeds of chickens to choose from. In fact, limiting your options will only guarantee that you’ll miss out on different flavors, experiences, and opportunities to get more out of your chicken.
In this article, you’ll soon discover that there’s a lot more to consider (and chose from) when looking for the right meat chicken to raise for you and your family.
MORE
I do the Cornish Cross, feed for 6-7 weeks and they dress out at about 5 pounds.
ReplyDeleteYou just have to watch how much they eat, because if you keep feed available, they'll eat it. I usually give it in the morning and pull it 12-14 hours later. You can adjust if they are growing too fast or too slow. The feed conversion rate is amazing, and that and time is the reason for commercial growers. But if too much feed or if the feed is too 'hot', they will out grow their legs, heart and lungs.
I've always kept Barred Rocks, good egg production and the roosters taste good if you kill em young. I keep saying I want to try those Cornish crosses but I've never followed through with getting them.
ReplyDeleteJD
My Cornish Crosses had deformed feet and died from the heat before I could butcher them.
ReplyDeleteBesides I don't eat breast meat unless I am starving...too dry and tasteless. I want a hen with fat thighs and legs. The wings are dog food and the breasts will go into casseroles.