Farming and Homesteading Heritage Poultry

[Arielle]

Quote: I can asure you that the harchery hens I have do resemble that ole rubber chicken. But they taste wonderful. I processed and ate a coupl e cornishX last week, and they are close to the grocery store bird, but not as soft in the breast meat texture. I did like better than store birds. Not sure if is was the result of age (10 wks), or feeding mostly FF. Perhaps any bird that is processed more than 10wks starts to aquire the different texture and flavor. Other wise, I'm definitely in a little more meat for my efforts.

Thanks for sharing the photos. Hope others will also share their roasts on a scale.

 

[Extra Java]

I'm so glad we grow our own food after reading THIS!

http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/wqwm/ag61.html

 

[Arielle]

I'm so glad we grow our own food after reading THIS!

http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/wqwm/ag61.html

I couldn't read any further than the title. My best friend from college, who also studied animal science, sent me an article from Mother Earth-- cattle fed newspaper and bubble gum.

Of course there are enough studies that show that nutrition (vitamin) wise it is pretty poor compared to grass fed beef.

As you said, good reason to grow our own food.

 

[Extra Java]

Who has the largest meatiest Silver Grey Dorkings ?

(I'm looking for hatching eggs)

 

[Extra Java]

How to Cut Up a Chicken Video:

 

[AletaG]

So, out of the listed Heritage chickens that I've been reading about from the ALBC, trying to find out which might come closest to being a single purpose "meat" chicken... Votes? Need to know wks to harvest and approx dress-out wt would be awesome!

GO!

 

[BGMatt]

So, out of the listed Heritage chickens that I've been reading about from the ALBC, trying to find out which might come closest to being a single purpose "meat" chicken... Votes? Need to know wks to harvest and approx dress-out wt would be awesome!

GO!

Delaware - 20 weeks
Dorking - 20-22 weeks

Those two are probably your best best. Stay away from Asiatics because they're at least 24-28 weeks. Even then lot of structure but not a lot of meat.

 

[Zanna]

Delaware - 20 weeks
Dorking - 20-22 weeks

Those two are probably your best best. Stay away from Asiatics because they're at least 24-28 weeks. Even then lot of structure but not a lot of meat.

My vote goes to the Delawares as well. I have processed as young as 14 weeks, plenty of meat for a dinner for 2. They are also very good layers of large brown eggs, mine lay well all winter, even through molt.

 

[capayvalleychick]

Delaware - 20 weeks
Dorking - 20-22 weeks

I raise and like both of the above. The Delaware is going to be ready at a younger age than the Dorking. I let my Dorkings mature a bit more than what BGMatt says, and use them as a roasting bird.

They are both dual purpose breeds. Aleta, what is your reason for wanting a heritage meat chicken?

 

[Lacy Blues]

AND they're quite delicious!