This is a Jumbo Cornish Cross (JCX), a hybrid meat chicken, and a Delaware, a dual purpose chicken. They are two weeks old in the picture above. They were both hatched on the same day and shared a brooder. They were on the same feed. The gap between them becomes even more noticeable as time passes. The JCX is also known as a broiler. This is the hybrid that is mass produced for grocery stores. The JCX sit in front of the feeder all day long. They grow so fast; they can die due to heart attacks. To prevent that, we take away their feed in the evening to give their bodies a rest. They are butchered at 8-10 weeks which is a very fast turn around compared to other breeds. When these birds are pastured, this breed is a very economical way to get organic meat.
same breeds, same age, same feeding protocol
same breeds, same age, same feeding protocol
