Breed Narrowing

[Cowgirl71]

If it were me...

I'd keep the Barred Rocks, Easter Eggers, Welsummers, and the Salmon Faverolles (I'm not fond of white birds or eggs, and the Hamburgs are also very flighty).

I would definitely get some Buff Orpingtons though! Meat, eggs, broody hens, beauty... all in one bird.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

It seems rather ambitious to have a different coop and run for every breed. Why not have one large coop for all your pullets? Let them all out to free range when you wish. Is it for breeding purposes your thinking of doing that?

 

[BarredCometLaced]

Yeah, i want to keep the breeds separate so that the Roos will only mate with their breed.

I was thinking of Orpingtons... not completly sure though. I do like the buff color

 

[BarredCometLaced]

I think i am going with

Anconas: White Eggs

Easter Eggers: Colored Eggs

Barred Rocks: Brown Eggs

Sussex: Meat

Welsummer: Dark Brown Eggs

What do you think? Would these be good free rangers?

 

[Cowgirl71]

Speckled Sussex are known to be awesome foragers, and get to a large adult size. They make great pets and are absolutely beautiful!

However they're slow growing compared to most other dual purpose breeds. Your Barred Rocks will likely be better for meat than the SS, and also better layers. Light Sussex are good for meat, the Speckled... not so much.

For a good foraging meat breed, you may look into Delawares, New Hampshires, White Wyandottes, Dorkings, and Dark Cornish.


Just my 2 cents from research I've done.

 

[BarredCometLaced]

Okay

i'll look into those.

 

[punky rooster]

I agree with Arielle;
Buckeyes are the most active American class breed, making them great foragers.Also Good layers, and nice meat birds.
Mitch