Raising Cornish Chickens

The Cornish chicken, or Cornish game hen, is a small breed of chicken that originally came from Cornwall, England, but has gained popularity in the United States. These chickens have stout legs, muscled breasts and a high quality of meat, and are commonly raised as meat chickens. Raise your own Cornish chickens for eggs or meat by following a couple of standard guidelines.

Things You'll Need

  • Chicken shed
  • Chicken nesting boxes
  • Fencing
  • Straw/shavings
  • Heater
  • Chicken scratch
  • Water
  • Water dishes
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Create enough room and obtain the correct supplies for raising Cornish chickens. Chickens need to be protected at night, and should be kept in an enclosed space. A chicken shed and fencing keep your chickens safe from predators like owls and coyotes. The ideal space for raising chickens gives those chickens not only protection but also room. Each bird should be allotted at least 3 1/2 square feet of floor space, according to The University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Service.

    • 2

      Establish a roosting area for chickens. Hens that will lay eggs require a roosting box with appropriate places to build nests. Fill these nesting boxes with straw or shavings in which the hens can nest. Spread straw or shavings along the floor of the box as well, to give chickens a place to sleep.

    • 3

      Maintain your chickens at a temperature of at least 70 degrees. Install a heater in your chicken shed to accomplish this if necessary. This is particularly important if you have hens that are laying eggs.

    • 4

      Keep the doors of your shed open during the day to encourage circulation for the chickens. Allow chickens to roam outdoors during the day for exercise and foraging.

    • 5

      Throw chicken scratch to the chickens daily. Though chickens will eat snails and bugs from the garden, you should always supplement that food. Throw food on the ground twice a day for the chickens to eat.

    • 6

      Put out several dishes of water for the chickens, and keep the water clean by changing it regularly. Change the bedding in your chicken shed once a week, to keep it clean and free of parasites.

    • 7

      Round up chickens and put them in their coop every night, for safety.