Dark Cornish Chicken
The
Cornish Chicken is a heavy breed developed in Cornwall, England and an excellent broiler bird. Known as the "Indian Game" in England because of it's strong game bird heritage, the
Cornish Chicken is one of the parent breeds of the modern day
Cornish Cross broiler chicken used in commercial chicken meat production.
The
Cornish Chicken is a wide chested bird with thick muscular legs. It requires a substantial amount of feed, but does have an exceptional conversion of feed to meet ratio. It is possible that the
Cornish Chicken will actually develop too quickly, having some leg problems when its wide-set frame overcomes the strength of its legs.
Cornish Chickens are not good egg layers, but they are excellent birds for meat; and their outstanding meat qualities make them a prime breed to cross with many other varieties of chicken to create the ideal backyard meat chicken.
The
Cornish Chicken or
Indian Game originated from a massive and muscular game bird in England and its popularity grew most after exported to the United States. It became and essential parent breed to the
Cornish Rock Cross that is now the staple meat bird in the modern broiler industry.
The
Cornish Chicken is not as fast growing as the
Cornish Rock Cross, but it's feed to meat conversion ration is still excellent and hefty size make it an excellent choice for a meat bird. It is commonly crossed with popular backyard breeds, such as the
Sussex Chicken, to increase the meat production of popular backyard birds.
