How big should commercial broilers be at 3 weeks old?

[gritsar]

I don't raise meat birds, so tend to ignore this category of the forum.

I am considering taking in a few (maybe 5) commercial broiler chicks that will be three weeks old when I get them.
I need to get an idea of how big a commercial broiler chick is at three weeks old and how long they will need supplemental heat.
I'm sorry I don't know the exact breed, just what they use in the commercial houses around here. I assume they are cornish Xs.
Any ideas?
TIA

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

A Rock Cornish X should be just about 1 pound. In a large commercial plant, the first butchering is at 3 to 3 1/2 weeks old and that is for your Cornish Game Hens that you buy at the market. Last butchering is normally at 12 weeks which would be your broilers.
They grow fast.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Thanks. That gives me a good idea of the size, considering I had a cornish game hen for supper last night.

 

[greathorse]

Quote:
Mmmmm commercial broilers are slaughtered right at 46-48 days of age. That will provide a 4lb broiler or fryer (chicken) Cornish Game hens are slaughtered at about 25 days, A 12 week old cornish cross would be huge.

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

Sorry greathorse, I just gave the first and last of the range of butchering. I didn't go into all the finer details of each age range for butchering. Just wanted to know what size approximation was for a 3 week old bird which you obviously agree with.
Oops I forgot, the 12 weeks is the maximum age that most growers allow which would produce the whatever you want to call them size birds used for your chicken nuggets and processed meat products.

 

[cassie]

The 12 weekers make dandy roasters. Ours are in the 11 1/2 to 13 1/2 pound range by then. Small turkey size. In fact that is what we are having for Thanksgiving this year. I like turkey, but I like these roasters better.