Buff Orpington Plymouth Rock Cross eggs

[WarSmith]

I've seen some discussion on crossing them for sex links but what would the egg production be like? What would the range per year be?

The reason I asked this is in theory if you cross them would be a pretty good meat bird and egg layer?

 

[nuthatched]

Both breeds are duel purpose, there's no reason that a cross wouldn't also be.
look up what the egg production is for either breed, subtract 50 since those production statements are often padded.

 

[WarSmith]

Both breeds are duel purpose, there's no reason that a cross wouldn't also be.
look up what the egg production is for either breed, subtract 50 since those production statements are often padded.

Thanks. Any idea how fast they would grow to table weight?

 

[nuthatched]

Thanks. Any idea how fast they would grow to table weight?

Hmm, neither rocks or orpingtons are fast growers, maybe 20 weeks? I'm not sure, I've never raised either for meat.
They won't be nearly as meaty or grow as quickly as a cornish cross.

 

[NatJ]

Any idea how fast they would grow to table weight?

Rocks usually grow faster than Orpingtons, and hybrids often (but not always) grow a bit faster than purebreds, so I would guess this mix will grow at the same speed as a pure Rock.

That would be nowhere near the speed of a Cornish Cross, but fairly good for heritage-type chickens.

"Table weight" means different things to different people, so I cannot say how long it will take them to reach what you consider table weight.

I consider that any cockerel old enough to crow is old enough to be eaten, so I've butchered some rather small birds on occasion. I've also butchered old stewing hens, and chickens at every age in between. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding the right recipe for the bird you have.

The first time you raise them, I suggest you try butchering the males at several different ages. Start with "too small" around 6-8 weeks and continue at intervals until they are "too old and tough," to learn what works best for you personally.