Dual Purpose alternatives???

[Prospector]

We were considering raising a couple of hatches of 25 or so meat birds, but being a "chicken virgin" I am more than a little nervous with what I am reading about them.

Frey's hatchery's own information says that while they guarantee delivery of healthy chicks, sudden death due to heart failure, legs giving out, and other illness is common in meat birds. I don't know how excited I am to go down that road.

We are goin gto pick up a dozen Chanticler chicks this weekend for our layers. As Chanticlers are listed as dual purpose and are more of a heritage breed, how well would it work to keep breeding stock on of them, and dedicate some of them as meat birds? The breeder tols us that they would not be a good economical choice as either a layer or as a meat bird bird, but that they would work really well if we wanted to start a breeding program and expand from there. Our intent with them is to get enough eggs to feed our family, any surplus production is a bonus.

Are there other dual purpose breeds that would generate enough meat to keep our family fed without having all the health issues associated with dedicated meat birds?

Thanks for your help!

 

[ve]

White Rocks.They grow fast,are big,healty and lay very good.

 

[greeneggsandham]

Salmon Favorelles (the standard size ones that is as they do come in bantam size). My roos are nice big boys and the hens lay nice large eggs.
You have to remember that dual purpose birds will not grow as quickly as the cornish rock crosses. Those birds were breed for quick turnaround.

 

[lilray]

We have production reds. They lay consistently. And grow quite large.

 

[bigredfeather]

Buckeyes(heritage breed as well). They are decent layers and are typically nice sized by 18-20 weeks. Whatever breed you decide, evaluate them at 8 and 16 weeks, and keep the ones that are the largest at these times for your breeding stock. You will find that after doing this for a few years, you will have bigger birds in a shorter time.

Nothing you get is going to compare to the Cornish. Despite what you have been reading, Cornishes aren't that bad. They do require a little more attention, but it is worth it. They seem to get a bad rap, but most people who raise them regularly, are able to avoid problems commonly associated with them with proper care and technique.

Goodluck!

 

[mockcherry]

I hear Dorkings are fantastic. You can also check out slowfoodusa.org and on the right, click meat and poulty. They list several breeds that they recommend for fine dining.

 

[joletabey]

Delawares- they are a great dual purpose bird, plus they generally have great personalities- very people oriented and friendly, fun to be around. My hens are proving to be pretty good layers, and we processed the four extra roos- very nice meat bird. Get them from a breeder if you can.

 

[Prospector]

Wow! Thanks for the quick replies folks. I see there are many options out there - its just a matter of finding the stock to start from.

I guess for now I stay focused on getting things started and then grow from there. Does anyone here have experience with the Chanteclers and can offer insight on just how these guys will perform as meat birds?

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
Are you referring to pure Cornish or Cornish X ?

As to the OP's question , IMO the Buckeye and Chantecler are two breeds developed to have superior meat qualities similiar to the pure Cornish while increasing egg production and earlier maturity . Unfortunately neither were hugely popular , declined in numbers and quality , and are only just recently being bred back to their original qualities . Brother Wilfrid kept very tight contoll of the breeding of White Chanteclers and succeeded in developing a white dual purpose breed laying 200 + eggs per year and , for the period , great feed conversion and growth rates . In order to puchase breeders from him , people had to agree to keep records and return all their birds for inspection on an annual basis before the next generation could be called Chanteclers . The Buff and Partridge Chantecler were not developed by him and possibly not related . The Buckeye had no Cornish , but a cross of black breasted red gamefowl in their developement made them have similiar characteristecs . Starting with either Buckeyes or Chanteclers from reputable breeders and continueing to select for their historic qualities would be an admirable and rewarding project IMO . Of course there are many dual purpose breeds that might also fill your needs .

 

[Lotsapaints]

What ever breed you choose make sure you start with the best stock you can buy. My favs are Marans and Delawares-fast feathering, big birds, taste good. The Delawares lay more eggs. I'm going to try White Rocks and some RL Cornish this year too.