cross breeding egyptian fayoumis for free ranging?

[drangle]

Does this sound like a good idea? im guess the first generation crosses would be small and flighty, I am also guessing fayoumis dont have the best egg production. I was thinking the second generation if crossed back to a heritage breed might make for a decent sized bird with good egg production who is also predator savey while free ranging.
What do you guys think? i am sure someone has tried this kind of thing before, if you have any experience with fayoumis how did it turn out?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Cross with what?
They are probably fine as they are without crossing. Fairly productive with tinted eggs and maturing very early. Pullets may begin laying by 4 months. I hope it is hot where you live.

 

[drangle]

It’s very hot in the summer. We have a bit of a fox problem too. I was thinking of crossing them with leghorn. Maybe an Australorp for the second cross if they are too flighty.

 

[McChooky]

If Fayoumis could handle the cold I'd get a few in southern WV.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Same here. I love them, the winters would not

 

[drangle]

Winter here are what I would call a mild cold. Single digits in the dead of winter. Mostly around 20 -35 degrees. Every now and then we do got some really nasty - degree weather but it seems to be rare.

 

[drangle]

I can’t help but think that adding some Fayoumis blood into my flock would make them better free rangers both in terms of foraging and survival

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I can’t help but think that adding some Fayoumis blood into my flock would make them better free rangers both in terms of foraging and survival

I'm not seeing what makes Fayoumis a better choice than most Mediterranean breeds, pheonixes, or game breeds

 

[drangle]

I don’t have access to game breeds and phoenix have the big tail and I don’t think lay as many eggs

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I don’t have access to game breeds and phoenix have the big tail and I don’t think lay as many eggs

My girls lay just fine. They multiplied worse than the mice did this year. Not sure what the tail has to do with anything, my boys are just as predator aware as the girls are, especially if they have something for shelter