Feeding Broiler Chickens

If you're planning on raising chickens as broilers, the best chickens to grow fast and put on weight are a cross called a Cornish Rock cross. This chicken is a special cross between a Cornish and a Plymouth Rock chicken. The Cornish cross, often called a Rock Cornish or a Cornish Rock, is the type of chicken most people get when they buy chicken from the store.

The problem with Cornish crosses isn't putting on weight. The problem is that Cornish crosses put weight on too quickly and may suffer from congestive heart failure or a heart attack due to the inability for the heart and vascular system to keep up with the growth. To prevent this, you'll need to limit the feed and have a sensible feeding program. I discovered this with my own Cornish crosses and have learned how dangerous heart and vascular problems can be.

Step 1

Set the brooder at 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Put Cornish cross chicks in a brooder with a feeder with grower feed and water. Keep feed available during the day for only 12 hours. Water should be available all the time.

Step 3

Take away feed at night to ensure chicks don't overeat or overgrow.

Step 4

Continue to feed 12 hours on and 12 hours without food for the first four weeks.

Step 5

Decrease the temperature in the brooder 5 degrees Fahrenheit until the temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, remove the brooder.

Step 6

Switch the Cornish crosses to a meat bird food at 6 weeks. Allow them to feed only 12 hours per day.

Step 7

At the end of 12 weeks, the Cornish crosses are ready to be butchered.

Things You'll Need

Brooder
Brooder light
Brooder thermometer
Chicken feeder
Grower Feed
Meat bird Feed
Waterer
Cornish Rock cross chicks

Tips

Cornish crosses do not perch and are relatively inactive birds. They do little besides sleep eat, drink and defecate.

Warnings

Do not overfeed as this can cause heart conditions.

Signs of heart problems include heavy breathing, red, swollen bellies, and listlessness.

Reference

"Raising Chickens for Dummies," Kimberly Willis, Rob Ludlow, 2009.

"Storey's Guide to Raising Poultry," Leonard S. Mercia; 2001.

"The Chicken Health Handbook," Gail Damerow, 1994.