Back in Bresse!

[FoodFreedomNow]

Well, almost. I'm technically counting chicks before they hatch, but am feeling pretty confident I'll have some running around in just a few more days.

This is my second round of raising this breed - I had them previously and experienced a number of unexpected issues that I think may have been attributable to inbreeding depression. With GFF's 2017 import, am hoping the gene pool is a bit deeper now and that I'll be raising them for many years to come.

 

[Sequel]

Well, almost. I'm technically counting chicks before they hatch, but am feeling pretty confident I'll have some running around in just a few more days.

This is my second round of raising this breed - I had them previously and experienced a number of unexpected issues that I think may have been attributable to inbreeding depression. With GFF's 2017 import, am hoping the gene pool is a bit deeper now and that I'll be raising them for many years to come.

That’s great! When you raised them last time I assume you ate them. I’m curious about the table quality and whether you followed the French finishing method. I’m sort of a Francophile as well as a chicken lover!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

@Sequel, yes, I did raise the cockerels for meat. And when I process my "standard" dual-purpose cockerels now, I fondly remember how easy the AB were to handle, pluck, and how meaty they were in comparison (especially the breasts).

I didn't follow the traditional French finishing method, but did offer a bit more fermented grain along with fermented feed (21% protein) as they grew out on pasture.

It's been a while since I've eaten Bresse, but I recall the meat being juicy and more mildly-flavored than the dual-purpose breeds I currently raise on pasture. As someone who has eaten and enjoys wild game, I don't consider my dual-purpose birds to taste "gamey", but people used to eating CornishX probably would.

I plan to raise crosses, too. AB hens are good layers and will join my layer flock. This is - when the genetics are good - an outstanding dual-purpose breed and particularly well-suited to homesteading purposes, IMO. Looking forward to flock 2.0!

 

[Sequel]

@Sequel, yes, I did raise the cockerels for meat. And when I process my "standard" dual-purpose cockerels now, I fondly remember how easy the AB were to handle, pluck, and how meaty they were in comparison (especially the breasts).

I didn't follow the traditional French finishing method, but did offer a bit more fermented grain along with fermented feed (21% protein) as they grew out on pasture.

It's been a while since I've eaten Bresse, but I recall the meat being juicy and more mildly-flavored than the dual-purpose breeds I currently raise on pasture. As someone who has eaten and enjoys wild game, I don't consider my dual-purpose birds to taste "gamey", but people used to eating CornishX probably would.

I plan to raise crosses, too. AB hens are good layers and will join my layer flock. This is - when the genetics are good - an outstanding dual-purpose breed and particularly well-suited to homesteading purposes, IMO. Looking forward to flock 2.0!

Ok I’m following this thread! Good luck!

 

[CNJ]

I plan to raise crosses, too. AB hens are good layers and will join my layer flock.

What are you going to cross them with?

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Probably Marans, New Hampshire, and maybe even Easter and Olive Eggers. I'm interested in developing a fast-growing, meaty bird that also lays colorful eggs. And bonus points for personality.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Tomorrow is hatch day...and the first egg has pipped.

 

[Sequel]

Tomorrow is hatch day...and the first egg has pipped.

Take pics please!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Better late than never, right? These guys are a couple of days shy of 2 weeks old now, and are growing like weeds. Crops are always very full! Pic is about a week old.

 

[Sequel]

Better late than never, right? These guys are a couple of days shy of 2 weeks old now, and are growing like weeds. Crops are always very full! Pic is about a week old.View attachment 2893293

Bonne chance!