Dual-Purpose Flock Owners UNITE!

[Cuban Longtails]

Go to the american livestock breeds conservatory website, then to their downloads page. There is free information on how to choose for egg & meat production with flock improvement. They used Buckeyes as a base for the study, but the same information could be used for other breeds. Here's the link to the main page http://www.albc-usa.org/

Until you are confident and sure about culling choices I would let the birds mature more. Orpingtons are slow to mature anyways.

Some people are good enough to start culling as the chicks come out of the incubator, but I'm not that confident yet.

Mine get to stick around for a month or so before I start seeing flaws I don't need hanging around. Those will get sold or eaten.

 

[shelleyb1969]

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I may be able to help you if you're okay with EEs. I'd have to talk to my hubby, to be sure!

Thanks farmmom...I really appreciate any offers. I'm hitting nothing but walls trying to find some companions for my 1 lonely pullet. Plus, it would make my roo very happy as well!

 

[shelleyb1969]

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Have you tried posting over in the Buy/Sell/Trade section? Or doing a search on pullets MI for that boards only?

I have posted in the MI board, and I think I've posted in the BST section as well...I'll have to double check. I search craigslist daily, and I've posted to craigslist as well...no replies. I live in a very remote area, and the one livestock auction in my area...well...let's just say that I'd need to quarantine for about 3 months! lol But I'm still looking!

 

[swampducks]

Maybe I could talk one my extra roos into an operation?

 

[shelleyb1969]

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Now you've got me wondering swampducks...can a roo be castrated? I've got 2 that I want done!

 

[swampducks]

Yes, it's called caponing but I've never done it. There are instructions out on the web somewhere. I hear it makes them tastier. As a child I vaguely remember my dad being able to buy capons in the grocery store.

 

[shelleyb1969]

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Worldwide web...here I come!

 

[Beekissed]

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Now you've got me wondering swampducks...can a roo be castrated? I've got 2 that I want done!

They sell tools to caponize your roosters with, on the McMurray hatchery site, I do believe. They say it is pretty simple, but I've heard horror stories to the contrary. I, too, would like to try this and see if it finishes off a meatier bird, but probably won't bother, no more roosters than I get at one time.

 

[pdsavage]

Im raising 2 duel purpose breeds.
My BR whom just last week was attacked by my own stupid dog,that stopped thier laying.

Then there is the Speckled Sussexs 10 are so sweet and friendly.They should start laying this winter(suppose to be good winter layers).

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

I had tried to do this last year, but my dream turned into a nightmare when two local men stole my entire flock in one night, save 4 chickens!

I put alot of thought into what chickens I was going to get, dithered over fancy breeds vs dual purpose. What I decided on was trying to create my own flock by mixbreeding two breeds who had characteristics that I liked and would compliment eachother.

I chose Rhode Island Reds and Partridge Rocks and planned to mix the two breeds. RIR because they are known to be good layers and PR because they supposedly tend to be good setters and mothers. I figured that by mixing the two I would get a good eating, egg laying, reproducing and raising own young flock.

Seeing as that didn't happen, this year I went for broke and tried again to have chickens. I went with BO's and Speckled Sussex but didn't stop there. I now have Light Brahmas and BLRW and a few bantam breeds and 3 RIR.

I would like to try the RIR and PR crosses, but that will have to wait until next year. This year's chickens are my parent stock, and any offspring they have are for feeding my family. (not the bantams! they are purely for enjoyment and pets!)