BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[ronniewayne]

great thread Ron I am learning to breed to sop some heritage rir's . this Is the first winter I have bought eggs since I had chickens bought 1 dozen (you are right they were not eddible ) just before Christmas. I have some ee's for the layer flock just seemed everything quit for a couple of weeks right there . I am also crossing some rir with cloumbian rocks ..sex links with great laying hens and the young cockerels really pack the meat on . I think culling for egg laying only is in evidence the hatchery models .. culling for meat only the cornishx . it seems what we are looking for is a bird that possesses as close to both these qualities as the breed is supposed to be. I do like the added thought of a good forager bird without so much feed cost. even if that lowers overall production it can increase overall profit . looking forward to learning some things from you and the others on this thread. thanks
Ronnie

 

[ronott1]

The Besse were ready to process at 16 weeks old.

I left the feet on because it is traditional.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: You are entitiled to your opionion BUT I am offended that you feel the need to dis my opinion.

I'm tired of your attitude-- there are polite ways to share i nformation.

 

[call ducks]

Quote: You are entitiled to your opionion BUT I am offended that you feel the need to dis my opinion.

Good bye. I'm tired of your attitude-- there are polite ways to share i nformation.
There was nothing, and I mean nothing offensive meant about my post. I was not directing anything about the meat birds at you specifically - just a thought and something for you to think about - try crossing breeds.

you asked about inputs on sheep - I gave you a combination that should work nicely.

Also when I consider costs of a chick - you should consider all the costs from the first stock, to the building, to the cost of feed and incubator. It often ends up as much as a hatchery chick.

I am blunt- there is no sugar coating with me - and you can not express tone over the internet, sorry if your are offended.

The comment was just how I felt about Joel and not directed to you just a comment - I could care less of who you idolize/fallow. Really truly does not matter to me.

At the end of the day life is way to short.

 

[gjensen]

White American Bresse and Pita Pinta.

Where did you get the Pita Pinta Ron?

 

[ronott1]

Where did you get the Pita Pinta Ron?

They came from Megan @Meg2000000

She reports them to be very good layers of extra large eggs. I do not know about the laying part, but the cockerels get big fast and have nice Breast meat for a Dual purpose breed.

I processed several and was going to keep two but one of them was too aggressive so I processed him at 20 weeks. He dressed out at a bit over 4 pounds.

These were two weeks younger and were 3 to 3.5 pounds at 18 weeks. With better finishing(These had Flock Raiser), I could get them bigger too. The one on the left I a Basque Hen ant the right one is a Pita Pinta.



This is one of the cockerels a month before processing them:



This is one of my pullets at point of lay, a couple of weeks ago.

 

[3riverschick]

Economics would incdicate that a pullet that lays as early as possible and lay as many eggs as possible in until she is tapped out is the most eficient commercial egg producer. Ina controled climate with food and water provided in such a way as to maximize production.

After years of thinking this was the only model, I have started looking in a different direction. Based on what is sustainable and what is economical for a very small oepration?

I read a number of Joel Saladins books, and found the Sugar MTn Farm web site using a set up much diferent than commercial hog houses: forage raised hogs. These two sources helped me to see there is another way. THe forages need to work in balance with other feed sources and those factors influence which breeds will thrive on that type of management.

Saladin promotes pasture raising for a number of valid reasons, and also provides a custom mix of grain to the cornishX. THe hogs are on pasture that is highly integrated with a variety of plants and shrubs and small trees with added whey and brewers grains. Both operations depent on heavy equipment.

THe latter is what I think of before we could till the land. ANd my land is NOT tillable. Good New England soil that grows rocks!! I hav noo heavy equipment, but the basics and a chainsaw.

This leads me away from the cornish cross to the old heritage meat birds or project meat birds. A bit slower growing but better in tune with the lower production of the land. But hopefully still economally doable. A nearly organic product at a lower price than I can buy.

I have been mulling over land preparation witht he help of KF acres-- just tossing ideas around and he was my sounding board. We need to selectivly cut most of the trees, remove the leave cover and get seed into the duff area. Hmm, not sure duff can support grass seeds. Might need the sheept o eat down an area until the soil levels are exposed due to over stocking rates.

Love to hear input.

Why don't you try the Plotspike website? http://plotspike.com/
They have a lot of formulas which are good for feed plots
for deer, birds, and such. Seeds for wild and forest areas. I use Plotspike Forge Oats for my birds.
They have formulas for all reasons and seasons. I get mine at Tractor Supply.
Best,
Karen

 

[gjensen]

Why don't you try the Plotspike website? http://plotspike.com/
They have a lot of formulas which are good for feed plots
for deer, birds, and such. Seeds for wild and forest areas. I use Plotspike Forge Oats for my birds.
They have formulas for all reasons and seasons. I get mine at Tractor Supply.
Best,
Karen

Sandhills Preservaion sells forage mixes as well.

 

[gjensen]

They came from Megan @Meg2000000

She reports them to be very good layers of extra large eggs. I do not know about the laying part, but the cockerels get big fast and have nice Breast meat for a Dual purpose breed.

I processed several and was going to keep two but one of them was too aggressive so I processed him at 20 weeks. He dressed out at a bit over 4 pounds.

These were two weeks younger and were 3 to 3.5 pounds at 18 weeks. With better finishing(These had Flock Raiser), I could get them bigger too. The one on the left I a Basque Hen ant the right one is a Pita Pinta.



This is one of the cockerels a month before processing them:



This is one of my pullets at point of lay, a couple of weeks ago.

Thank you Ron.

I did not know there was any here in this country.

 

[ronott1]

Thank you Ron.

I did not know there was any here in this country.

I can see why they are such a big hit in Germany!