Can my Sasso chickens be raised outdoors? As long as temperature conditions are ideal, our birds can be raised outdoors without issue. Many growers move them outdoors in as soon as three to four weeks.
Any special care requirements for free range or pasture-raised chickens? Having some kind of shelter or predator proofing in place will keep your birds safe and protected from the elements; we recommend using a chicken tractor for meat birds. Your birds should also have access to fresh food and water on a daily basis.
What is the best meat bird feed? That depends on your goals and preferences, but the most important thing to look at is the protein content. For starter feed, 23% protein is a good place to start, before switching to a grower feed that has 20-22% protein. If you're not sure which feed is right for you, ask your local feed dealer for recommendations.
Can I breed these chickens at home? This meat bird is a hybrid, so you will not get the same results if you choose to breed them on your own. To get the same quality birds with desirable attributes, it's best to order them from a hatchery.
How long does it take for these broilers to grow? With optimal care, they can reach their full potential in 9 to 11 weeks, but you can process them a week or two sooner to yield a smaller bird.
Can I raise alternative broilers with Cornish Cross chickens? You can raise them together, but keep in mind that they will have different growth rates and reach market weight at different ages. It may be best to keep them in separate enclosures if you plan to feed them a different diet or monitor their feed intake.
Cornish Cross are prone to overeat if given unrestricted access to feed.
What are the differences between alternative broilers and fast-growing broilers? Alternative broilers have a slower start and take longer to reach market weight, but the extra time is said to yield a richer flavor. Especially in niche markets, alternative broilers can be a more desirable bird to raise than the fast-growing varieties.