Jersey giant crosses don't grow fast if it's for meat. If not then they make great big birds for your flock. I've also noticed predators don't mess with my jersey giant or his offspring. I think it's because they're so big... Remember when you thought they were turkeysI think Jersey Giants or Black Australorps might be good or maybe Barred Rock? My Australorps are huge lol and my BR was too. @FortCluck has made meat crosses with JGs I think.
She could also possibly look into one of the other meat breeds that takes longer to grow? Like Red/Rainbow Rangers, etc.? They take longer to grown than CX and don’t have the health problems but grow faster than heritage breeds.
That may be an option if she wants something a little faster growing but less problems.
Although CX can be grown in a way to make them healthier too.
But anyway, I say Rangers or maybe heritage breeds. My Delaware is huge too so that might be another option and I believe they used to be used for meat. And I love Orpingtons and Specked Sussexand they are both fairly large too. Although my Orpingtons ended up kinda runty but they’re hatchery stock lol my Lav Orp cockerel, however, is a MOOSE at only 4 months old.
I say Delaware, any type of Rock (Barred & White are most common probably but there are others), Orpington, Australorp, Sussex, etc. should be good for meat. And they are also good egg layers too if that’s important. Maybe RIR too but the roosters can sometimes be a bit mean. I also have a Welsummer boy that’s pretty big.
Hopefully this is helpful.
. Everyone should have chickens during this uncertain time, easy keeping, my garden takes more effort!!
