BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[GabrielBane]

If it were me, I'd go with the Naked Necks. They will be delicious. I can't imagine trying the S&Gs would be a problem. Even my NNs from Ideal were good eating and most were decent sized (though it was a variable group - you're likely to get more uniformity with S&Gs).

(Just IMHO)

I appreciate that honest opinion! My heart of hearts wants to do the NNs, because I could keep the best extras too...

(or my excuse to add NN pullets to the order.... y'know, the usual. LOL.) I'm glad to hear about the taste in their stock. I wish I had better yield info on dunlap's growth.

 

[DesertChic]

*Crosses fingers* If all goes well.... We may have some Ixworth's here soon. I'll report back in with that.


However, I did have a few questions for you all;
I had a young couple approach us to raise the birds for their wedding. They're having 80 guests and would like to serve chicken breasts (I believe they said 1/3lb of breast meat?) but don't want cornish X due to lack of flavor. they're getting married in june so I know time is of the essence for ordering. Logistically, I had planned on ordering 100 Cornish X's and calling it a day, now that she wants something more heritage... Well... I'm a bit stumped. What do you guys think? Any recommendations on breeds/how many to order for a wedding of this size? :C I had planned on possibly using this as my excuse to try the S&G NNs out, but I don't want to run that risk for a wedding, y'know?

I'm really excited to here about your future experiences with Ixworths.

As far as the wedding food is concerned, I agree with @Fire Ant Farm . I'd select NNs. In fact, I'd probably order nothing but cockerels, which would be cheaper, and keep them in a somewhat restricted pen/run and feed them really well. I was really impressed with my last bachelor pad filled mostly with cockerels. They had wonderful breasts and thighs, but I didn't cull them before 21 weeks, so the amount of time you have before butchering may still be an issue. Lets face it...those cx birds were made for quick eating. Heritage birds just can't get the same results.

 

[GabrielBane]

I'm really excited to here about your future experiences with Ixworths.

As far as the wedding food is concerned, I agree with @Fire Ant Farm . I'd select NNs. In fact, I'd probably order nothing but cockerels, which would be cheaper, and keep them in a somewhat restricted pen/run and feed them really well. I was really impressed with my last bachelor pad filled mostly with cockerels. They had wonderful breasts and thighs, but I didn't cull them before 21 weeks, so the amount of time you have before butchering may still be an issue. Lets face it...those cx birds were made for quick eating. Heritage birds just can't get the same results.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed we get 'em! We're SUPER stoked at the possibility. I think I'd be in chicken Nirvana with the Ix's.


And I went ahead and put it in their hands, I explained the differences in growth rate with the cx's, hybrid broilers, and then the slower heritage birds, so ultimately they can run the risk.

 

[NanaKat]

@NanaKat
I seemed to remember someone starting a hatch along based on the moon. Yup, chickencanoe.
Have you seen these threads?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/975265/waxing-moon-in-cancer-hatch-a-long

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/536525/hatching-eggs-by-the-moon-thread

No, I was not aware of these threads.
Thank you for posting the links....I've been reading about the results..
Nice to know others were and are having some success.

 

[Turk Raphael]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed we get 'em! We're SUPER stoked at the possibility. I think I'd be in chicken Nirvana with the Ix's.


And I went ahead and put it in their hands, I explained the differences in growth rate with the cx's, hybrid broilers, and then the slower heritage birds, so ultimately they can run the risk.

@GabrielBane
I'm posting this for you to see the results of crossing the Ixworth with Naked Neck. Looks pretty good to me. On the other hand and not to take anything from the Ixworth, they remind me a great deal of my pure Cornish birds...except my birds are dark and have somewhat longer necks and heavier shanks.

PS...I retract the 'longer neck' part...

Aaron


https://smallholdingdreams.com/2015/12/15/slaughter-sunday-and-the-best-chicken-soup/

 

[Turk Raphael]

I have delayed posting this information but it comes to me from a very reliable source. I will now interject the fact that my brother was devious/brave enough to make certain that he and I have available some superior genetic material soon after the painful information was imparted to us. Please pay attention, @3riverschick .

In any event, a very reliable, well-placed source has provided disheartening information to 'us' and a few other Chantecler fanciers. It would appear that an erstwhile trustworthy hatchery has taken the low road by crossing White Rocks into their Chantecler stock.

It's one thing for a fancier to play around with stock by using different breeds to various degrees in their 'projects'. I do it all the time but I make it known to all who read these pages, but when a commercial hatchery sinks to this depth and sells to the public the resulting offspring as pure, it's a step too far. We're told that it's a three generation cross and the birds look almost exactly like pure stock for the most part. The only thing that shows up fairly frequently is the appearance of rose instead of cushion combs. Another generation or two will cure that....they do all this to increase their stock of comparatively more valuable birds.

For my part, I think it actually might produce stronger birds but it is NOT Hoyle and if they are doing such things, they should admit to it. (They Do Not)...they have been asked.

I have noticed a bit of difference in some of the pictures they post and also they have chosen to have multiple placement of their stock of Chanteclers...also being placed in the 'Meat Bird section'. I have no proof, only the word of a well placed informant....Take this for what it's worth to you.

I'll end by saying that neither I nor my brother has ANY stock for sale, not now nor any time for many years to come, if ever. I do intend to 'place' some young adult birds with a person who's reputation is beyond reproach and I doubt they will have birds for sale for quite some time....Only speculating but I believe they will garner some serious show wins before any birds are put on offer or at least have the stock examined by a bevy of well known poultry judges.

Sorry for running on...it's early morning and I'm likely repeating myself.

Aaron

 

[dfr1973]

However, I did have a few questions for you all;
I had a young couple approach us to raise the birds for their wedding. They're having 80 guests and would like to serve chicken breasts (I believe they said 1/3lb of breast meat?) but don't want cornish X due to lack of flavor. they're getting married in june so I know time is of the essence for ordering. Logistically, I had planned on ordering 100 Cornish X's and calling it a day, now that she wants something more heritage... Well... I'm a bit stumped. What do you guys think? Any recommendations on breeds/how many to order for a wedding of this size? :C I had planned on possibly using this as my excuse to try the S&G NNs out, but I don't want to run that risk for a wedding, y'know?

I don't think you have the time needed. If it were me, I'd tell them that kind fo thing would need at least a six months' planning period to get the required number of cockerels, plus a few extras to cover any problems (illness, predator attack, etc). Also, I'd be a bit of a stickler and say they'd at least need to take the thighs as well as the breasts. Don't get me wrong (it's still early here) I think it's great that people are starting to realize there is better chicken out there ... it just can't be conjured up as quickly.

That said, I have cull Wyandotte cockerels down here on the ground already, if you come up short - or want a head start - you can give me a holler.

 

[GabrielBane]

@GabrielBane
I'm posting this for you to see the results of crossing the Ixworth with Naked Neck. Looks pretty good to me. On the other hand and not to take anything from the Ixworth, they remind me a great deal of my pure Cornish birds...except my birds are dark and have somewhat longer necks and heavier shanks.

PS...I retract the 'longer neck' part...

Aaron


https://smallholdingdreams.com/2015/12/15/slaughter-sunday-and-the-best-chicken-soup/

I'll have to look into this once I'm back on the farm computer!

I don't think you have the time needed. If it were me, I'd tell them that kind fo thing would need at least a six months' planning period to get the required number of cockerels, plus a few extras to cover any problems (illness, predator attack, etc). Also, I'd be a bit of a stickler and say they'd at least need to take the thighs as well as the breasts. Don't get me wrong (it's still early here) I think it's great that people are starting to realize there is better chicken out there ... it just can't be conjured up as quickly.

That said, I have cull Wyandotte cockerels down here on the ground already, if you come up short - or want a head start - you can give me a holler.

Thank you! I really appreciate the honesty They're actually taking the entire carcass (I think they're freezing the spare parts or gifting it. idk.), just wanted to make sure breast was most of the menu.

 

[dfr1973]

Thank you! I really appreciate the honesty They're actually taking the entire carcass (I think they're freezing the spare parts or gifting it. idk.), just wanted to make sure breast was most of the menu.

Just thought of another potential solution: you should ask Luanne D ("cpartist" here at BYC) of Eight Acres Farm north of Gainesville if she has cull cockerels on the ground. If I were not already firmly committed to the Wyandotte breed, her Delawares would be my second choice for a good, productive dual-purpose chicken. If you are wanting an American dual purpose breed, I'd recommend getting Dels from her.

 

[holm25]

I have delayed posting this information but it comes to me from a very reliable source.  I will now interject the fact that my brother was devious/brave enough to make certain that he and I have available some superior genetic material soon after the painful information was imparted to us. Please pay attention, @3riverschick
.

In any event, a very reliable, well-placed source has provided disheartening information to 'us' and a few other Chantecler fanciers.  It would appear that an erstwhile trustworthy hatchery has taken the low road by crossing White Rocks into their Chantecler stock.  

It's one thing for a fancier to play around with stock by using different breeds to various degrees in their 'projects'.  I do it all the time but I make it known to all who read these pages, but when a commercial hatchery sinks to this depth and sells to the public the resulting offspring as pure, it's a step too far.  We're told that it's a three generation cross and the birds look almost exactly like pure stock for the most part.  The only thing that shows up fairly frequently is the appearance of rose instead of cushion combs. Another generation or two will cure that....they do all this to increase their stock of comparatively more valuable birds.

For my part, I think it actually might produce stronger birds but it is NOT Hoyle and if they are doing such things, they should admit to it.  (They Do Not)...they have been asked.

I have noticed a bit of difference in some of the pictures they post and also they have chosen to have multiple placement of their stock of Chanteclers...also being placed in the 'Meat Bird section'.  I have no proof, only the word of a well placed informant....Take this for what it's worth to you.

I'll end by saying that neither I nor my brother has ANY stock for sale, not now nor any time for many years to come, if ever.  I do intend to 'place' some young adult birds with a person who's reputation is beyond reproach and I doubt they will have birds for sale for quite some time....Only speculating but I believe they will garner some serious show wins before any birds are put on offer or at least have the stock examined by a bevy of well known poultry judges.

Sorry for running on...it's early morning and I'm likely repeating myself.

Aaron

Could you by any chance put a name on this hatchery? Through PM?