Breeding Question for the Pros

[chunky_ficken]

I have a 6 month old BBB hen that was orphaned due to a coyote attack. She's been with our flock of Eastern's for about 3 months now. Yesterday my Eastern Tom mated with her.........my question.....is it a good idea to hatch out her eggs if she lays? Will an Eastern/BBB cross be worth raising as a meat bird?
She is already showing signs of outgrowing her legs......she's almost as big as the Tom, maybe bigger.
Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanx,

chunky_ficken

 

[chickenannie]

I butcher my heritage turkeys (Bourbon Reds) for Thanksgiving so I don't know why you couldn't butcher a BBB/Eastern turkey cross.

 

[Duck Keeper]

I've heard that you can do that, but I would think they would:

1.) Grow slower than a BB variety, resulting in better flavor and less leg problems
2.) Be able to breed easier than a pure BB (since they can't breed naturally)
3.) or be bigger than a heritage, but with minimal flavor loss


Not really a 'pro' per se, but I like to try.

 

[chunky_ficken]

Thanks for the replies.........I'll see what happens and let y'all know.

c_f