Cornish X - Part 1

Over Labor Day weekend, we mercifully ended the Cornish X.  I haven't talked about the birds out in the tractor much.  As you may know, we opted to try two types of meat birds.  The Cornish X and the Freedom Ranger or Red Broilers.

I have been searching for the appropriate words so not to upset or discourage anyone.  When we decided to do this, even I was uncertain.  Which is why I felt that as first time chicken keepers, the best way for us was to experience both breeds firsthand.  Nothing works better than learning for yourself!  My Dad always said you learn from your mistakes, but that a smart person learns from other peoples mistakes.  Funny how I have always found that when you do it yourself; however, that's when it really sinks in.  Guess I am not one of those 'smart' people! :o}

That said, I would not classify the Cornish X as a "mistake" by any means.  I will come back to this point...

Here are my observations and my own personal conclusions on our experience with the Cornish X:

• They are indeed, a very sweet bird.  Not once did I get pecked at.  They like to talk to you.
• We had zero problems with leg issues.  Although towards the end, one of them did have trouble holding itself up on both legs as it was rather large.  But he could and did walk.
• The roosters in particular, grow at a very rapid pace.
• They had no interest whatsoever in foraging or treats you may throw down.  They looked upon treats as foreign objects and never once even pecked in investigation.
• They eat and drink constantly.  Yes, they even lay down to do it.
• They have man-size poop.  Ohhhh, the poop!
• Only one hen feathered out completely.  The rest of them grew so fast and layed down so much, that their breasts never feathered properly nor did their hind ends.
• They always looked and indeed were, very dirty birds.  Now before you assume anything, they were moved daily and had clean space.  The Reds that share the exact same space feathered just fine and look like real chickens.
• We had no issues with breast blisters even though they lacked full feather in that area.  When people tell you their breasts are huge, they aren't kidding.  It definitely throws off their balance...even with their gargantuan feet!  Boy did thay have huge feet!

So those were my personal observations of the breed. 

My personal thoughts when compared to the Freedom/Reds and our layers however...

I felt sorry for the Cornish X.  Yes, I understand that their purpose is to put meat on the table.  I don't think this has anything to do with our methods (seeing as how we have 36 other happy chickens), but the Cornish X, in my opinion, doesn't know how to be a chicken.  Even as a hunting family, the things we hunt get to be whatever it is they are supposed to be.  So to me, this is sad.

Now, back to why I am not sorry we raised them...because after having read all that, you'd probably think I was.  And it all boils down to one word:

Exposure

We were able to expose many people to the reality of what they buy in the store.  Countless family members and friends would walk out to visit all the chickens and as soon as they saw "the white birds", their noses would wrinkle.  In a nutshell...everyone thought they were "gross".  To which I always told them, "That's what you buy at the store."  (more noise wrinkles)

Do I think it will change how they look at the chicken on their plate?  Probably not.  But in their defense, not everyone has the luxury of raising their own food. 

Will it change us?  Yes.
Would I raise Cornish X again?  No.
Will I raise Freedoms again?  Yes.

Part 2 of the Cornish X will follow shortly.  That of course comes with a warning!  I did NOT take pictures that contain blood or guts, but I did take a video clip of Pig Pens Chicken Plucker that he built.  He's pretty proud of it and it worked real well...so I want to share that. 

If you are like a car wreck and a rubber neck - do your best skip Part 2.