The Ameraucanas I had were incredibly scrawny as youngsters, but, did eventually fill out to the size and fullness one would expect from a DP type breed. They were slow growing, but did get large eventually.
I for one like dark meat very much, so for some of us the DP breeds work out fine.
As for slow vs fast growing--fast growing equals more turns per seasom, and more profit per square foot. ( I'm a grower professionally, and the same principles apply) Fast growing also equals lot of inputs. This sysytem works out really well if you are selling plants or selling broilers, the extra turns on space easily cover the extra input costs.
Not everyone wants to raise the cornish x meaties however. The niche of a slow growing breed like Giants, etc, was to be fed primarily on pasture, forage, and maybe some corn the farmer grew. The slow growth enabled them to require far less protein per day-not a bad thing in those days before commercial bagged high protein feeds. That system is not workable commercially today, but, it can be workable for a backyard homesteader.
There is a niche for every breed and system.
Been working with Cubalayas for 4 years,currently in BB Red, Black, Mottled, and Spangled. I also have recently begun to work with Ko Shamo, Thai, and Buff Leghorns. My Dad raises Columbian Wyandotte Bantams. Also have Tufted Roman Geese, American Buff Geese, sheep, and goats. Usually have about 100 chickens midsummer, and overwinter 20-30.
Been working with Cubalayas for 4 years,currently in BB Red, Black, Mottled, and Spangled. I also have recently begun to work with Ko Shamo, Thai, and Buff Leghorns. My Dad raises Columbian Wyandotte Bantams. Also have Tufted Roman Geese, American Buff Geese, sheep, and goats. Usually have about 100 chickens midsummer, and overwinter 20-30.
In fact, some of my customers prefer this type chicken to the one in the super market. To the OP, what did you feed your rooster? Also, did you have more roosters around him? Was he maybe stressed out?
