CRX help- slow down but still keep healthy?

[apohl498]

This is our first time raising cornish cross. They are currently 8 weeks (today actually) and we have given a controlled amount of feed and pulled feed at night for their entire lives. They are absolutely at slaughter weight and a few are starting to have issues walking. I could not get into our processor for 2 more weeks (July 16) so they will be just shy of 11 weeks at butcher. Is there anything I can do to really slow them down, limit them so they don't grow much these last two weeks?
Also... Anything I can do to make the meat taste amazing? They've been eating meat-maker feed this whole time. They are fully feathered now, so I feel like they didn't grow too-too fast where they outgrew their feathers, but I feel awful they are in pain and I am NOT set out to butcher.
Thanks!

 

[Parront]

This is our first time raising cornish cross. They are currently 8 weeks (today actually) and we have given a controlled amount of feed and pulled feed at night for their entire lives. They are absolutely at slaughter weight and a few are starting to have issues walking. I could not get into our processor for 2 more weeks (July 16) so they will be just shy of 11 weeks at butcher. Is there anything I can do to really slow them down, limit them so they don't grow much these last two weeks?
Also... Anything I can do to make the meat taste amazing? They've been eating meat-maker feed this whole time. They are fully feathered now, so I feel like they didn't grow too-too fast where they outgrew their feathers, but I feel awful they are in pain and I am NOT set out to butcher.
Thanks!

You could transition them from meat-maker to an all-flock feed with lower protein. They will still gain, but slower. If you put the food and water far apart so they have to walk, to keep them moving it can help. You have to keep them cooler as they get bigger, they over heat pretty easy. Where are you? And, hope that helps some!

 

[cassie]

I wouldn't worry about it. Transitioning them to a less nutritious feed may cause more problems than it solves. I like big roasters so I kept my chickens longer than most people. I wanted them to dress out at 12 pounds or so. If I were you I would order some Broiler Booster from Murray McMurray. You add it to the water and it goes a long way to keep your broilers healthy.