Best meat birds?

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JiltdRoyalty

JiltdRoyalty

In the Brooder
Apr 11, 2016
63
3
46
Wichita, Kansas
So, my first batch (4) of "broiler" birds are going to be processed tomorrow and it's time for a new batch. These didn't get quite the size I was hoping for, so any suggestions on a breed. Right now I have two barred rock and two buff Orphington's. I got them at tractor supply company as broiler chicks.
 
The trouble is you are buying hatchery stock birds. They might have been labeled broilers, but they were bred to be layers. Breeder stock would get larger, but never really huge.
For the best meat birds, Cornish cross are undeniabley your biggest, fastest growing. I personally did not care for that breed, but many like them.
If you wanted to get a little healthier breed but still good sizes, there are the pioneer and red ranger breeds (I currently have them could show you a picture of the Red Ranger at 7 weeks)
If you want dual purpose, there are several possible breeds, I have been strongly considering New Hampshire.
 
What OrganicFarmWife said, hatchery stock doesn't grow to the breeds potential. Best non cornishX breeds for meat IMHO, breeder quality of course, Delaware, German New Hampshire, White and Barred Rocks, Naked Neck Turkens. I've heard Cackle hatchery Naked Necks get to good size, I have some coming next week.
 
700

This is what the Red Ranger looked like at 7weeks. He is by a leghorn chick one week younger. I will get new pictures tomorrow, and weights.
 

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