Cornish Hen size/age

[Kim_NC]

Next batch of Cornish X, I want to butcher some at commercial 'Cornish Hen' size. Typically in stores, they weigh about 22 oz, finished.

Has anyone butchered for that size? What age and live weight did you target?

 

[19sarah90]

I would like to do this as well, but I hadn't even researched the "store weight" as you have. In addition to the answer to your question, I would like to know whether the regular Cornish is still used for those cornish hens as opposed to simply culling the Cornish X early while still small... ?

 

[Judy]

These 2 hatchery sties pretty well tell the story. You butcher at 2 to 2.5 lbs live weight. Cornish hens in the grocery are female cornish X butchered young.

https://secuservices.com/ideal/newideal/selectproduct.aspx?qty=1&ID=CRS&Product=399

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/product/cornish_game_hens.html

 

[skeeter03]

we have the cornish rock giants and were told to butcher at 6 weeks for a cornish game hen size.

 

[dirtyshoes]

I let em go another week or so for a slightly nicer grilling size and they are very nice at that scale —the smaller of mine were about 30 OZ (dressed) in that first batch and just enough for a growing boy as they come off the grill. ( 1/2 for lunch whole for supper) I just butterfly ( up the back )and them grill them whole. very nice.
I think I was at 7.5 or 8 weeks and selected hens for these smaller grillers and some roos for a bit larger bird– roos were 2# 12oz or so if memory serves. Mostly I thought I was making room in the coop, but it turned into a plan for next year.

 

[UncleHoot]

Definitely not 6 weeks or more. 4-5 weeks, as that site suggested, is where they need to be.

At 6 weeks, you have a fryer. At 7-8 weeks, you have a roaster. At 10 weeks, you have a turkey.

 

[jaku]

Quote:
I agree- I don't think they have to be "hens" either.

 

[mtnhomechick]

Welp Hatchery has a growth chart for the cornish x and it will give you an idea of weights at all ages. I refer to it all the time.

I have never ordered from them but they seem reasonably priced and shipping is included.

Hope this helps.

 

[Kim_NC]

Thanks everyone for the ideas and the links. Very helpful!

 

[labnut]

hatchery site suggests 4 weeks.......i just did 10 @ 6 wks and they dressed out at a nice 2 - 2 1/2 lbs a piece.