Friday, September 9, 2011

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.

18 comments:

  1. Great post, and I'm thankful for your observations. I had too heard the same thing about Cornish, that they dont' know how to be a bird. But I think its REALLY good that you were able to expose others to the reality of what they are eating. So, all in all, a success? :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good Post - I like how you allowed everyone to see where their grocery store food comes from even though you are right, they probably won't think about it while they are 'diggin' in. At least they've been exposed to it though.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the honest and well-written evaluation of the Cornish X. I raise Red Rangers for the same reasons you give - but I also only raise about 8, so it doesn't matter if it takes longer for them to reach processing age. The Cornish X, on another good note, goes from 0-60 in less than 8 weeks, so they are a bargain in a sense. But, personally, I prefer a REAL chicken - one that enjoys it's chicken life. I am looking forward to Part 2 and seeing Pig Pen's amazing plucker!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This was a very informative post. I'm glad you wrote it. I plan to learn from your observations. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. WELL I DON'T RAISE MY OWN FOOD,BUT ,GROWING UP WITH ALL HUNTERS IN THE FAMILY BRINGS BACK MEMORIES.,SO I REMEMBER THE SMELLS FROM THE GARAGE WERE THEY CLEANED THERE KILL [ EXCEPT DEER, WHERE DONE OUT BACK IN THE 3 SEASON PORCH [ LOTS OF FRESH AIR]SO I won't get squeamish.MY HUSBAND USED TO HUNT TO,BUT NOT AS ACCOMPLISHED AS MY DAD'S YEARS OF EXPERIENCE-SO MUCH SO,I HEARD HE WAS BARELY HOME FOR A SINGLE BIRTH. MY MOM ACTUALLY HAD A WOMAN DR. WHO CAME TO THE HOUSE FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE BABY. BABIES--14 ]SO BRING ON PART 2

    ReplyDelete
  6. MamaTea, in that instance I do believe it was a success.

    Allison, yup. I wish every person could own a piece of land large enough to allow a bit of the farm at their table.

    Susan, we have the 9 Reds still out there and they will indeed take a few more weeks. But I am ok with that too. One of the roosters crows (if you can call it that!) now too!

    Patty, hehee! So you are "smart" then ;) back at ya!

    Judy, yes, there is a distinctive smell that goes along with it. But I wouldn't say it's disgusting, just distinctive.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fantastic post, and I'm glad you did it for my own future notes. That's one of those breeds that must have had the rule book on how to be a chicken bred right out of it, sadly. I love that you tried though and were able to honestly compare them, invaluable stuff for those of us that hope to do meat birds in the future. I for one, am looking forward to the Part 2, and I know hubby will be when I tell him! He loves the posts you and Mama Pea do on the real deal, the culling, butchering, processing, hunting, sausage making, LOL... it's the only time he's interested in the blog is when I yell, "hey APG is going hunting" like last year LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great article Diana, can't wait for the second half. Wasn't aware that Adam made the chicken plucker. Not much he can't do, is there?

    I also have memories of the smell of chickens being cleaned. It is something you never forget. What a fantastic meal we had the next night after mom got them all cut and frozen. Bless her heart she was always to pooped to fix dinner after all that work. I was never able to help with that part as I was one of the younger ones. Did do my share of feather pulling tho.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Glad you did this post and glad that other people are able to share in it because of the blog!

    We just ordered our Cornish Crosses last week and I'm going to do a weekly blog Chick Check on Fridays to compare the Cornish to our barnyard mutts as they were born the same time and we're going to "try" to raise them the same way.

    Funny how those that visited you turned up their noses at WELL KEPT Cornish Crosses....can you imagine how they would react if they saw how the chicken they get at the store was raised???

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am dittoing Carolyns comment--can you imagine if they saw how the grocery store chickens were raised?????????

    I am appalled at the ignorance of people about where their food comes from. It is downright scary that in less than TWO generations we have completely lost track of it all.
    This post was eggsellent!!
    PUN INTENDED.

    And I do feel sorry for the birds (not yours---). Imagine being so out of proportion. Wait. My butt is too big too!!
    :D

    ReplyDelete
  11. We came to the exact same conclusions that you did. Everything you speak of was exactly true for us as well. We didn't do them the same year like you did but in successive years. I will never do Cornish X again either!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for sharing your experience. We haven't got meat birds yet so this post is getting bookmarked!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Erin, it must ge a guy thing that whenever one of us posts something "un-girlie" they are interested. Although I am not sure many of us (if any) would describe ourselves as girlie! I sure wouldn't! And hey, hunting season is just around the corner! Tell C, I will get one just for him!! Riiigghhtt!

    Aunt Diane, yup, he sure did make it! Much to the pleasure of a few friends who are considering chickens as well. I don't blame Grama one bit for being wiped out after all that! Must have been one of those evenings that you had strawberry shortcake for dinner, huh?

    Carolyn, I will look forward to your Friday posts! And yes, these birds were kept humanely, I don't even think I could stomach walking thru a commercial chicken house. I would be insanely angry and disgusted. To think, we eat that!!!

    Sue, you are so right. Two very short generations and we've gone bulk and nutrientless. I suppose it could be argued what a busy world we live in now. But I rather think that life slowed down is life more enjoyed. Not to mention healthier. Now as to junk in the trunk...real men love that!

    Freedom, good to know that we agree. Poor birds :(

    HoosierGirl, glad this might help you! And whenever you decide, we wish you success!

    ReplyDelete
  14. We raised the Cornish X a few years back, and I couldn't believe the size of the breasts. I ended up with some huge bags of parts, (including two bags with a half breast) instead of whole chickens, to put into the freezer.
    Interested in reading your post about the Freedom. Haven't raised meat chickens for a few years, and looking forward to this new info!
    ~~Lori

    ReplyDelete
  15. We've never raised meat birds . . . and now know we'll never raise Cornish X, for sure. We have seen them that friends raised and it turned me off a bit. Now you've completed the process and I thank you big bunches. Give me an old stewing hen for flavor any day!

    P.S. Real mean like junk in the trunk? Phew, am I relieved to hear that one!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Excellent post. Stepping into the reality of home butchering is so emotion packed, yet at one time it was a common culinary skill in this country. I agree that raising different breeds is the best way to go.

    I was especially interested in your observations about the breed. After our own first home chicken processing, we discussed getting meat chickens rather than a dual purpose breed. We're so used to those huge chicken breasts that we didn't think the dual purpose were all that great. In researching the meat breeds though, it almost seemed cruel to breed the instinct out of the chicken just for meat. We're just going to keep experimenting to find the dual purpose breed that suits us best.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great post. I learned so much. Hubby keeps trying to talk me into getting chickens, but for some reason I fight it. Maybe someday. In the meantime I live through you chicken gals.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lori, I too am curious as to how the Freedoms will compare as to the (don't know the politically correct word here) production, maybe??? Granted they will be a few more weeks, but I don't think that is a bad trade.

    MamaPea, just knowing what I know of you, I agree with your conclusion that they wouldn't be something you would enjoy. And any man worth his weight in salt better love the junk!!!

    Leigh, you are very right! It is a mixed emotion. In your search for dual breeds I am sure you came across the opinions of the Buffs and I do believe you have them too, correct? If so, what are your thoughts specifically on those? I have the Storey's Guide to Chickens and in there, they say that they are a meat breed and also lists them under dual. Which is why we chose them in our "big girl" flock. We have not processed any of them yet. So I was curious if you had and if they fall into the experience you commented on.

    Lorie, I think you would very much enjoy the layers. They really are a delight! And just so you know, I felt the same way beforehand too! Now, I just love'em to pieces!!

    ReplyDelete