Dual Purpose Birds?

[Chef Pizghetti]

Hi All,

I'm still relatively new to this site and to keeping chickens, and currently have a mixed flock of 4 hens. I'm planning do do some expansion and add a few extra birds next year. I decided to get chickens primarily for egg laying, but looking at some of the hens (my speckled sussex in particular), they are huge bodied birds! I don't anticipate having to thin the flock anytime soon, but was wondering:

- Are older laying birds (2-3 years old) worthwile for eating (not too tough)?
- Are there egg laying breeds (other than leghorns) that aren't good for the table?
- Does it cause the other birds significant stress and disrupt the pecking order when you remove their flockmates?
- How should I handle introducing new birds (before I remove the older ones, or afterward)?

Just looking for any experience that other members have had.

Thanks,
Omari

 

[Y N dottes]

ive heared different ideas on wether old birds are worth eating....some have said 'ewww, disgusting' whiles others think using them in stews and such is a good idea.
Most chickens are fine for eating, just that the hens of egg laying breeds are prized for their egg laying and arent used fro dinner. of course, if u get roosters of an egg laying breed, and dont want them for breeding, then they would work just as well for eating.

 

[kizanne]

I think the old layers are great!!!. You just have to remember that you can't roast it and have great chicken. Try a crockpot or Couq of Vin. They will be very flavorful but chewier. Long, slow, moist heat will make them quite edible.

 

[kingsfarm]

Hi, just bought 20 Barred Rock as our dual purpose chicken, told they lay well and get large....med-large eggs, am after meat...what have you chosen? good luck..all info great....thanks