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Meat Birds

Cornish Game Hen and Cornish Cross Broiler Breed Guide

Raised for meatDocile, SedentaryCold hardyHeat hardy
MeatPurpose
In brief

Reaches 6-8 lbs. at maturity. Docile, sedentary temperament.

Breed specifications

Cornish Game Hen at a glance

Purpose
Raised for meat, not an egg layer
Temperament
Docile, Sedentary
Weight
6-8 lbs.
Cold hardy
Yes
Heat hardy
Yes

This is the bird that single-handedly changed American eating habits. Before Cornish Cross Broilers were developed, a chicken dinner was a rare treat reserved for special occasions. Pre-Cornish Cross era chickens grew slowly while eating plenty of feed. Their meat was tasty but sparse. The Cornish Cross made broiler production efficient, and today it's often the most inexpensive meat the grocery store sells. Cornish Cross Broilers require special feeding and care but grow astonishingly fast. They weigh nearly six pounds when only six weeks old by efficiently converting feed into flesh. Cornish Cross Broilers are the best choice for a person who wants to quickly produce delicious meat and has no plan to save hens for egg production.

Common questions

Cornish Game Hen questions, answered

How big do Cornish Game Hens get?

Cornish Game Hens weigh 6-8 lbs. at maturity.

What is a Cornish Game Hen's temperament?

Docile, Sedentary.

Is the Cornish Game Hen cold and heat hardy?

The Cornish Game Hen is cold hardy and heat hardy.

From Hoover's Hatchery

Ready for a Cornish Game Hen?

When it is time to go from learning to Keeping, Hoover's has a complete selection of backyard poultry, hatched with care and shipped to your door or to a partner store near you.