Crossing dual purpose breeds?

[lotzahenz]

Have you ever considered the Cornish from Murray McMurry? I love the Dark Cornish for size and eggs. They lay very well a huge brown egg, and are breast heavy and great for the table. They are dark (not so pretty) and rustle and fend well for themselves, but will become broody, making a great mother hen. I also like McMurry's Cuckoo Marans, though more costly they grow huge fast and lay a dark, large egg, but don't lay as well as the other breeds you are considering. Those are the two hatchery breeds I like best for what you'd like to use them for. The great thing about McMurry's is you can order several different birds and see which ones you like best. Order 50 straight run chicks and you should get 25 to 30 to butcher. Keep the nicest Roo and all the hens you have room for.

How I love sudying that McMurry catalog. HenZ

 

[Fenika]

Thanks Kathy

These Delawares sound great. Who knew- I'd only ever known about the fighting blue 'hens'

Lynn- Your flock is gorgeous. I'm sorry you lost your roo'.

Henz- I'd considered the Cornish X from McMurry's to add numbers to my shipment (above the 25, for warmth in March and so I have some meat in 2 months from when they arrive), but now that I'm probably not going to order from McMurry's, I dunno! Good to know the straight Cornish are good birds. I'll keep them in mind for the future.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Quote:
Uuuuhhh... Henz was referring to the Dark Cornish, which is a very different bird from the common White Cornish and Cornish X meat birds. I've heard that they are very good at fending for themselves, unlike their white cousins. Here's a link with a pic

: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Game It says that the hens are poor layers, but I'd guess that birds from a hatchery will be fair layers.

 

[Fenika]

Oh, they are pretty

So many choices, so little room and $!