Dual Purpose Flocks

[BarredBuff]

What would be the best choice for a backyard producer who wants eggs to eat and meat after the hens have lost their prime?

 

[Illia]

First,

Second - There are quite a few good dual purpose breeds. Hens after their good years of laying aren't exactly good for eating except in stew ( kinda tough, so it takes some soaking or pounding work ) but some good examples are Brahmas, Wyandottes, Faverolles, Orpingtons, Turkens (aka Naked Necks ) and so on.

Although then again, even your standard Production red or Delaware is a good layer and good for meat. Honestly, it can depend. Personally I like Brahmas , Turkens, and Wyandottes. Hardy, friendly, and they lay really well. ( Plus they aren't as common ) Although I'd love to move on to Salmon Faverolles as well.

 

[Mahonri]

Delawares do decent at egg laying and mine at least, are huge.

 

[chicken master]

RIR's plymouth rocks and brhamas

 

[Kittymomma]

I have barred rocks, buff orpingtons, black australorps, silver laced wyandottes, rhode island reds, and easter eggers. The EE's aren't really dual purpose, but the kids like the green and blue eggs.

 

[Sasquatch]

My flock is RIRs, GSLs, BSLs, and California whites. The calies are a bad choice for dual purpose. I really like the gloden sex links the best. The BSLs are moving up the scale because of broodiness.

 

[cybercat]

Rocks were my choice. You can read up on my flock in my blog in my sig. Started from arrival day.