Can a Sasso chicken 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.
Are there any special care requirements if I'd like to raise my chickens on pasture? Predator proofing and adequate shelter will be essential to successfully raising your birds outside. We recommend using a chicken tractor for meat birds.
What is the best meat bird feed? That depends on your preferences, as well as what's available in your area. For starter feed, 23% protein is a good place to start, before switching to a grower feed that has 20-22% protein. You can reference our
broiler nutrition chart here for more information, or ask your 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 reach market weight? 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.
Are these birds hardy? Yes, Sasso chickens are exceptionally hardy and adaptable. They have lower mortality rates and are more resistant to common diseases than conventional broilers.