Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: animal mad on June 29, 2010, 16:03

Title: Chickens for meat
Post by: animal mad on June 29, 2010, 16:03

I have just been given 10 ross cobb chickens to raise up for meat, i am really surprised how lazy they seem to be,i thought they would enjoy a paddock to scratch in but all they want to do is sit still and eat is this nomal they are about 7 weeks old and have been kept indoors till yesterday. any ideas   

Title: Re: Chickens for meat
Post by: GrannieAnnie on June 29, 2010, 16:09

Ross Cobbs are traditionally broiler chickens Vicky, like the 787's we got last time from Simon which have a lot of broiler bred into them.  they are very lazy.  they stand up - eat - sit down.  Stand up - drink - sit down.  Stand up - poop - sit in it!

Very normal!!  :D

They may get used to the outdoor life, some of ours did, but that's why we prefer the 757's!

Title: Re: Chickens for meat
Post by: animal mad on June 29, 2010, 16:16

Hi, what are 757 and where do i get them from, i would prefer a chicken that wants to be a chicken and has a quality of life.that sounds really daft i suppose.

Title: Re: Chickens for meat
Post by: GrannieAnnie on June 30, 2010, 13:47

They are a Hubbard breed Vicky, we get them from Simon Skinner of Poulet Anglais.  e sells day olds and hatching eggs.  But I know he is really busy at the moment.  Eggs are 35p each I think still and he couriers them out, so not cheap, P&P is about £6 odd for half dozen, but gets a little cheaper if you buy more.

Give him a call, he is a lovely man. 07787 533325

Title: Re: Chickens for meat
Post by: animal mad on June 30, 2010, 21:26

Thanks grannie annie i have just had a message from him and think i will be hatching some of his eggs for the next batch.

Title: Re: Chickens for meat
Post by: pigeonpie on June 30, 2010, 22:37

Maybe you should invest in some chicken sofas and a chicken tv?   :lol:

Title: Re: Chickens for meat
Post by: GrannieAnnie on June 30, 2010, 23:00

Once they are hatched Vicky, let them grow to about 14 weeks.  They seem to put a spurt on towards the end.  Our largest one out of this batch was 5kgs dead weight, but culling them at 10-12 weeks which is the norm, they ranged from 2-4kgs

Title: Re: Chickens for meat
Post by: Sassy on July 01, 2010, 08:31

I know an experienced chook keeper who tried Ross Cobbs and in an effort to get them to free range rather than sit and eat they witheld food. Two died and a post mortem was done. Their hearts were enlarged - the vet felt this was due to the stress of not having the food put in front of them. They are a commercial breed bred to eat, put on weight and be culled. :(

A lesson in instinct - we can't change it ::)