These are ROSS chicks. This variety of chicken is bred solely for meat production. Optimum rearing time is 8 to 10 weeks. Beyond this time, extra care is needed to minimize losses, as these are heavy, fast-growing chickens. Once mature, male chicks are heavier and more elongated.
Plan ahead for their arrival. To help your raising succeed, allow a minimum of 2 sq. ft. per chicken indoors, so you'll keep your litter drier and avoid problems caused by overcrowding and stress.
You can raise up to 300 chickens per year, per civic address. All non-quota chicken farms are reported to the Fédération des éleveurs de poulet du Québec, so it's possible to have an inspector visit your home to check the number of chickens you're raising.
Schedule your appointment with the slaughterhouse as soon as you receive your chicks.
