How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Re: Winter preparations// Meat birds

Jean .... rapid growth is the result of constant feed and high protein values. What meat bird growers are looking for is good growth ( meat ) to feed conversion... all at a rapid rate . You get these birds not from using the off spring but hens and roos from different breeds to form the ultimate cross. Usually to breed white rocks crossed with cornish to form White Cornish Rocks. You could get the WCR to breed but you would need to under feed to raise the breeders (keep them alive) and the resulting chicks might not be all that good as meat birds. There are other breeds used and it all depends on what you like. Also the regular meat birds are ready to butcher weeks before the hens are at egg laying stage.

Pete
Moderator

-----Original Message-----

From: Jean

Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2011 4:27 PM

To: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: [CHICKENS-101] Re: Winter preparations

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for explaining. What causes them to grow so

fast?

If they grow so quickly, and die so easily, how are they bred? Do they

mature/start laying earlier or still at the same rate as laying birds? Is

meat breeding stock raised differently than those that will be butchered?

What other steps do you take to slow down their growth?

Interesting!