Can I Brood Layers and Meat Birds Together?

[NeilV]

Next spring, I want to raise some meat birds and I need a few layers to supplement my existing layer flock.

Can I get a batch of Cornish-X/Freedom Rangers and brood them along with some Production Reds/Australorps/Easter Eggers? (Haven't decided on breeds.)

After they get feathered out, they will go their separate ways, but it would be convenient if they would go in a single brooder.

Thanks,

Neil

 

[LarryPQ]

You should be fine, assuming you provide enough high-protien feed. Those meaties can get pretty cannibalistic when they start growing.

 

[knjinnm]

Hi,
For a while but in two weeks the cornishX's will be twice the size of the layers and eating everything so at that point I'd separate them.
Joe

 

[CARS]

Quote:
I agree. 2, maybe 3 weeks and the X's will towering over the hens and hogging the feeders.