We raised a healthy (and somewhat feral) flock of Dark Cornish roosters this summer. They are also unique because of their thick, compact bodies, unusually wide backs, and broad, deep breasts. These super meat qualities have made the Dark Cornish a truly gourmet item for eating. Their compact build will fool you as they are always heavier than they look. These birds have a very rich, almost game bird-like flavor and are a rare treat for lovers of free-range meat. 

This breed is known for their ability to forage and feed themselves in a variety of conditions. Our personal experience is that they are exceptionally good at evading predators and start to behave decidedly wild as they mature. We didn’t lose any to predation despite a dozen of them who took to roosting in the trees rather than spend the night in the safety of the coop.