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Cornish chicken breed portrait

Illustration (AI rendered)

Cornish

Also known as: Indian Game

The meat chicken used in commercial broilers.

☀ Heat hardy
Egg color
brown
Eggs / year
160
Egg size
small
Purpose
meat
Class
English
Size
large
Hen weight
8 lbs
Rooster weight
10.5 lbs
Temperament
calm, low-energy, blocky
Noise level
quiet
Origin
England
Lifespan
5-8 yrs

About the Cornish

Cornish chickens are stout and muscular with broad bodies and a short back, making them ideal for meat production. They have a distinctive large breast and strong legs, contributing to their rapid weight gain. Generally, they have a calm temperament but can be less active due to their weight. Their efficiency in converting feed to meat sets them apart from other breeds.

History

The Cornish breed originated in England and was developed in the 19th century for meat production. Its lineage includes several breeds, contributing to its robust physique. Cornish chickens gained popularity in the United States in the 20th century, particularly in commercial poultry farming.

Care tips

Cornish require adequate space to prevent health issues related to their weight, as they can be prone to leg problems. They are less active than other breeds, so ensuring a clean and dry living area is vital. While not known for being broody, they can still benefit from appropriate nutrition to support their growth rate.

Color varieties

darkwhitewhite-laced redbuff

Fun facts

  • Cornish chickens grow rapidly, reaching market weight in about 6-8 weeks.
  • Their substantial breast and thighs make them a preferred choice for broilers.
  • The breed is recognized for its hardiness and adaptability to various environments.
  • Cornish were crossed with other breeds to create popular broiler hybrids used today.
Reviewed by the ChickenCoops.ai Editorial Team
Content is written and reviewed by our team of backyard chicken keepers, veterinary technicians, and community moderators. Aggregate data pulls nightly from our own platform. Last reviewed July 13, 2026.