Cornish Cross - To Raise or Not To Raise

Our current topic of discussion seems to be whether or not to raise Cornish Cross chickens. Cornish Cross from the hatchery get very big very fast. Mine grew so fast that they just didn't move. I think it was leg problems. Some of them definantely had feet problems. I know that they sure poo alot more than standard breed chickens. I bet I had to clean six inches out of the coop after we butchered.

One tip that I didn't know about was to remove their food at night. Apparently they will eat all night if you don't. That contributes to their weight gain and their leg problems. I know that I will not raise them again unless I either have my plucker built so that I can butcher myself, or I have a processor lined up to do it. Last time my processor backed out on me. They were 12 weeks old by the time we got them to a butcher. One, I kid you not, weighed 12 lbs. It looked like a small turkey. When we say they get big, we mean it.

Since they have such a fast growth rate and short lifespan, a temporary cage is not a bad thing to set up. Pick that bald spot in the yard and let them fertilize it for you. LOL. They really can't fly because of their weight. I think a standard dog kennel or 3' tall fencing would be fine to make a temporary coop. Make sure they have plenty of water and enough room to move around if they want to.

When they hit the 3-5 lb range, don't hesitate. Butcher them then and there. From that point forward it just goes downhill. After I get my plucker built I will probably raise another batch, but not until then.

Let me know your thoughts.