07/26/2024
Welcome home, babies!!!
Today we welcomed 56 Rudd Rangers (and 5 Marans 🤫🫣🤭) home!! We currently have about 140 Meatbirds at the moment. 😁😁
Why Rudd Rangers? Well, because our goal is to raise chickens that want to chicken. Although our Cornish cross are well loved, they aren’t the best at hiding from critters who also want to make them dinner. This means we have to move their area every day or two to make sure they at least have the opportunity to try and chicken, if they so desire. (We also still have some Cornish cross for sale!! We have about 40 packages of thighs and 20 of breast).
The Rudd Ranger and Cornish Cross are two popular breeds of chickens raised for meat, but they have distinct characteristics and requirements.
Growth Rate and Size
Cornish Cross: Known for their extremely fast growth rate, they can reach market weight (5-7 pounds) in just 6-8 weeks. They have a high feed conversion efficiency, meaning they require less feed to gain weight.
Rudd Rangers: They grow more slowly, typically reaching market weight in about 12-14 weeks. They are less feed efficient compared to Cornish Cross but are more active and have a leaner meat.
Health and Activity
Cornish Cross: Due to their rapid growth, they are prone to health issues such as heart problems, leg issues, and difficulty in moving around. They are less active and often prefer to sit rather than move.
Rudd Rangers: They are more robust and less prone to health problems associated with rapid growth. They are more active and foraging, making them a better option for free-range or pasture-based systems.
Meat Quality
Cornish Cross: Produces tender, white meat with a large breast size, which is highly desirable in the market.
Rudd Rangers: Their meat is leaner and darker, with a richer flavor. The breast size is smaller compared to Cornish Cross, but they are appreciated for their taste, especially in niche markets.
Management and Care
Cornish Cross: Require careful management of diet and environment to prevent health issues. They do better in controlled environments where they can be monitored closely.
Rudd Rangers: Easier to manage in terms of health and do well in a more natural, less intensive setting. They are suited for free-range or pasture systems and can thrive in a variety of environments.
