Can Cornish Cross Chickens Eat Game Bird Food?

Protein Levels

• The Cross eats around 1.5 to 2 lbs. of feed a week, and industry recommendations are to use a feed mix that is about 20 percent protein. Competing industry claim special mixes for "chick starters," "finishers" and so forth. Most feed manufacturers recommend that you drop to around 17 percent protein during the last couple of weeks before slaughter. Game bird food, which typically has sunflower seed, corn and finer whole grains, generally has protein levels above 25 percent.

Mixes and Prices

• Game bird food can be mixed with other ingredients to achieve the desired protein levels. Cost might be a factor, with some game mixes costing $1.50 a pound or more. Poultry feed ranges from 9 to 18 cents.

Weak Foragers

• Game bird food can be distributed in areas where both game birds and free-range chickens forage, but the Cornish Cross is a weak bird that puts on weight more quickly than its musculoskeletal system can keep up with, so take care if you let them forage. Cornish Cross frequently die in hot weather if unattended, another consideration before allowing them to forage. Cornish Cross should only be allowed to forage in restricted, flat areas with plenty of shade in the summer, and you should check on them frequently.