I understand the importance of knowing how many of my birds might not make it to maturity. When it comes to raising Jumbo Cornish Cross chickens, there seems to be a lot of uncertainty about how many of them will die during the raising process.
In this article, I’ll explore some of the experiences of different chicken owners and share what they’ve found in terms of how many birds they’ve lost when raising Jumbo Cornish Cross chickens.
The Varied Experiences of Chicken Owners
The number of chickens that survive to maturity can differ considerably based on their rearing conditions. Here are several accounts from diverse chicken owners regarding their experiences:
- One chicken owner expects a 25% loss annually, having lost 4 out of 55 three-week-old chicks. They raised freedom rangers the previous year with no losses.
- Another chicken owner raised 50 chickens with no losses.
- A third chicken owner reared 180 Cornish Cross chickens last summer, resulting in 8 losses, but they had no losses when they raised 50 Red Broilers.
- A fourth chicken owner lost only 1 out of 25 chickens.
- Another chicken owner purchased 72 chickens and lost 2 (one drowned the first night and the other died at 3 weeks randomly). They typically estimate a 10% loss but usually do better.
- A sixth chicken owner generally plans for a 10% loss and sometimes even surpasses that. They currently have 64 of 65 chickens surviving (a pile-up).
- Lastly, another chicken owner typically purchases 50 chickens and loses only 1.
As a result, the number of Jumbo Cornish Cross chickens that die during raising varies significantly among chicken owners. Some lose up to 25% of their chickens, while others lose none at all.
Factors that Affect Mortality Rates
So why is there such a wide range of experiences when it comes to raising Jumbo Cornish Cross chickens? Several factors can affect the mortality rate of these birds. Here are a few:
- The quality of the chicks: The health and strength of the chicks you start with can have a big impact on how many of them survive to maturity. If you get chicks that are weak or sickly to begin with, you may have a higher mortality rate.
- The conditions the birds are raised in: The environment that your birds are raised in can also have a big impact on their mortality rate. If they are overcrowded or living in unsanitary conditions, they may be more likely to get sick and die.
- The climate: The climate you are raising your birds in can also affect their mortality rate. If you are raising birds in extreme heat or cold, for example, they may be more susceptible to illness.
- Feeding and care: Finally, how you care for and feed your birds can also impact their mortality rate. If you don’t provide them with enough food, water, or care, they may be more likely to get sick and die.
Choosing a Different Breed
Choosing a different breed of chicken can be a good option if you are experiencing a high mortality rate with Jumbo Cornish Cross chickens.
There are many different breeds of chickens to choose from, each with its unique characteristics and requirements.
Doing your research and finding a breed that is better suited to your particular circumstances can help you reduce your mortality rate and increase your success in raising healthy, happy chickens. Some other breeds that you may want to consider include Red Rangers, Black Australorps, and Rhode Island Reds.
Conclusion
Raising Jumbo Cornish Cross chickens can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. The experiences of different chicken owners vary significantly when it comes to how many birds survive to maturity, with factors such as chick quality, rearing conditions, climate, and care all playing a role.
If you are struggling with a high mortality rate, it may be worth considering switching to a different breed of chicken that better suits your circumstances. However, with careful research and attention to best practices for chicken care, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy the benefits of raising healthy, happy chickens.
