Chicken Breed Focus - Maline

[JRNash]

Sounds like my kids

 

[Shellz]

I have 1 hen of this breed, she is always looking for treats, eats way more food than the other hens.  Seem's always hungry???

That's unusual, although any chicken is an opportunist & will get excited about treats. Where did you get her from? If there is enough bugs & grass to range on, she shouldn't be eating much.

 

[Shellz]

Sounds like my kids

Lol!

 

[Bine]

What other breeds do you have in your flock? I think it is fair to say that most dual-prupose breeds eat more that modern Hybrids. There is a reason why Hybirds are so cheap even when raised organic, but there is also a reason why people in france i.e. pay ten times more for a traditional raised old breed.
Oh, and I saw a advertising for 1,3 group Malines and hatching eggs in our club mag to day and was tempted for a moment.

 

[Our Roost]

As meaty a bird and the size weight wise that Malines are, you would think they are big eaters but the truth is just the opposite. They certainly aren't the piggy's that the cornish x are. I have found that they actually eat less as they mature. Like most birds, they love treats! The only consideration to keep in mind If considering owning this breed is how long it takes them to mature to table weight. Ya know, the initial cost to get started with these birds is pricey but in the long run, you'll thank yourself for spending the money.

 

[JRNash]

If they are available in August im going to takecthe plunge

 

[Our Roost]

JRNash,

Do tell if it is the malines breed you are talking about, where do you plan to order them from?

 

[JRNash]

Yes it is Greenbriar Ithink it's called. Have to look up the name.

 

[JRNash]

The next order of business.How many can you realistically get by with without severe inbreeding

 

[JRNash]

I know they have a 6 bird minimum.