Cornish Cross Broiler Chicks for Sale

Available: In stock
Inventory on the way

$2.95 Local taxes included (where applicable)

Cornish Cross broiler chicks are the industry standard for meat production, and for good reason. These fast-growing birds reach processing weight in just 8-9 weeks, making them the most efficient choice for both backyard growers and commercial operations. At Stumphouse Farms, our South Carolina hatchery ships quality day-old Cornish Cross chicks to all 48 states with guaranteed delivery dates.

Whether you're raising 6 birds for your family or 6,000 for market, Cornish Cross chickens deliver consistent results. These white-feathered broilers are bred specifically for rapid growth and excellent feed conversion, reaching 5-6 pounds dressed weight in under 10 weeks. Order your Cornish Cross chicks today and choose your preferred ship date - no waiting for "when chicks are ready." Call us at (864) 658-4209 with any questions about raising meat birds.

For Orders of 500+ please call (864) 658-4209

Quantity

Mix and match for 6 chick minimum order

Shipping available throughout the US

Local pick-up available at checkout

For Orders of 500+ please call (864) 658-4209

The Cornish Cross is a hybrid chicken breed developed specifically for efficient meat production. This crossbred broiler results from crossing Cornish chickens with White Plymouth Rock chickens, combining the best traits of both breeds. Cornish Cross broilers are the most popular meat chickens in North America, used by both small-scale homesteaders and large commercial poultry operations.

Characterized by a robust, muscular build, a short, compact body, and broad breast muscles, Cornish Cross chickens have a plump, meaty appearance ideal for processing. The white plumage contributes to clean processing and uniform presentation at market.

The defining feature of Cornish Cross broilers is their exceptional growth rate. These meat birds reach market weight at an impressively young age - typically 8-9 weeks for a 5-6 pound dressed bird, or 10-12 weeks if you want a larger roaster. At maturity, Cornish Cross chickens provide substantial dressed weights ranging from 4 to 7 pounds or more, depending on your grow-out timeline and feeding program.

Cornish Cross chicks are the backbone of the commercial poultry industry and a favorite among backyard meat bird growers. Their rapid feed-to-muscle conversion makes them the most cost-effective choice for chicken meat production. When you order Cornish Cross from Stumphouse Farms, you're getting the same quality genetics used by professional growers - shipped directly from our Anderson County, South Carolina hatchery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornish Cross Chicks

Cornish Cross broilers reach processing weight in 8-9 weeks. Most backyard growers process at 8-9 weeks for a 5-6 pound bird. You can grow them to 10-12 weeks for larger roasters, but health issues become more common after 10 weeks due to their rapid growth rate.

Each Cornish Cross chick will consume approximately 10-12 pounds of feed from day one to processing at 8-9 weeks. They have excellent feed conversion (approximately 2:1), meaning 2 pounds of feed produce 1 pound of meat.

Cornish Cross can free range, but are not as active as heritage breeds. They prefer to stay near food and water due to their heavy body weight. Many growers use movable pens (chicken tractors) to give their birds outdoor access while protecting them from predators.

Cornish Cross are specifically bred for meat production and grow much faster than dual-purpose or layer breeds. A layer chicken takes 16-20 weeks to mature, while Cornish Cross reach processing weight in just 8-9 weeks. Cornish Cross have larger breast muscles and better feed conversion than any other breed.

Cornish Cross are healthy when raised properly. Their fast growth rate can cause leg problems if they gain weight too quickly. To prevent issues: provide adequate space, don't overfeed in early weeks, ensure good ventilation, and process by 10 weeks. Most problems occur when birds are grown beyond 12 weeks.

Start Cornish Cross chicks at 95°F for the first week, then reduce the temperature by 5°F each week until fully feathered (usually weeks 4-5). They need the same brooder setup as any day-old chicks.

Order based on your freezer space and processing capability. Each bird yields approximately 4-5 pounds of meat. Most backyard growers start with 6-25 birds per batch. Our minimum order is 6 chicks, which can be mixed with other breeds to meet the minimum.