Forget the leisurely life of a farm chicken. The Cornish Cross is a meat-making machine, a hybrid built for rapid growth. These birds can reach a hefty eight pounds in just eight weeks – that's impressive compared to breeds like Bresse or Buff Orpingtons, which take twice as long.
However, there's a trade-off. Bred with a singular focus on meat production, Cornish Cross chickens are not exactly the picture of avian athleticism. Their rapid growth also makes them less resilient and requires specific care compared to chickens raised for laying eggs.