BobG wrote:Robbie ,Of all the breeds I have bred over the years Cornish have been the most frustrating !! Keep in mind I bred show stock not hatchery birds, I have bred both large and bantam . Unexplained deaths and poor fertility where normal within the breed . In my own opinion I would breed the hatchery stock for meat projects and stay away from show lines . The show lines are to short legged and to wide to promote good fertility .
BobG, thanks glad to hear it wasn't something I was necessarily doing wrong, if others have had similar experiences. I didn't expect to have the same problems as the exhibition Cornish, (I knew a bit about the fertility issues but I'd never heard the mystery deaths!) Mine are clearly selected for SOP but they weren't as extreme as the super-exhibition Cornish. You're going to laugh but it's their egg qualities I'm after mostly, (great shells) although I do like their stocky meaty look (mine don't have overly short legs though) and I absolutely love their personalities. I never want to be without at least a few Cornish running around!