nostr:npub1x458tl7h9xcxa66vr4a8pg0h2qz96pnhwnfpcra0le9090uk5t5qw7armt 
Discussion
Book?
Polyface Micro: Success with Livestock on a Homestead Scale https://a.co/d/h8MJktV
Cornish cross keel over dead if they stand up too quickly. A better, hardier choice for hot climate is Freedom Ranger. They grow a little more slowly and so taste better and are healthier. 10 weeks to harvest instead of 8. We’ve had 9-10 lb freedom rangers that were delicious and almost as big as small turkeys.
Comparing the organs of each breed tells an interesting story. Cornish cross have tiny hearts and giant livers. Freedom rangers have large hearts and smaller livers.
There’s a deep and storied conversation about chicken genetics. The cross is evidently a reliable and consistent breed to start with while you’re learning the ropes, and have a quick turn around from chic to table (8 weeks) compared to other breeds.
100 broilers in 2 months covers a family eating 2 chickens a week for a year. Not high intensity investment.
The other issue is freedom rangers cost 2-3 times what a cornish cross costs, and in the beginning reducing costs
is paramount while you’re learning.
If you’re a seasoned broiler, use whatever breed suits your fancy; you’ve come to your preferences with painstaking attention to detail. However, cornish cross will work almost anywhere for proof of concept.
I’ve raised both, and prefer the Ranger. Two weeks does add to the cost but many customers are willing to pay a little extra for the better product.
In our hot and dry summers the cross are very difficult to keep alive.
Are you pasturing them?
Deep bedding?
What materials are their shelters made of?
How often do you move them?
How much do they get?
When are you starting your season?
There’s a lot of variables.
If your community enjoys Rangers, I’m glad for you.
Which book is this? Thank you