Freedom Rangers

[Arielle]

Quote:
I"m sure it is a trade secret. ANd it is likely to be more like lines rather than breeds as we know them. YOu can ask them directly and see if you get an answer to this.

 

[WalkingWolf1]

Quote:
In the context of "Pure Bred" then NO they do not breed TRUE. They do however continue to produce nice carcass birds that grow out basically the same. There is more variation in their grow out rate than the original freedom rangers. The color patterns that emerged was interesting as I'm sure it was parts of the different breeds showing through. With that said, we found it definitely worth the effort and it'll also put meat on your laying flock offspring as well. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[3 NH reds]

One good note is that they lay good size eggs. And the next generation do develop quickly.

 

[WalkingWolf1]

Well, I made it out to the "out-back" this afternoon and snapped a few pics. First will be some of the original FR's. We currently have two ROOs and both are in decent shape. There are a few hens as well but I was only able to get a few bad shots of one hen.



Roo #1




Roo #2



1.5yr old hen

 

[WalkingWolf1]

These next few pics are what we believe to be a FR X Delaware hatched back in Dec.'12.

 

[WalkingWolf1]

These last few shots are birds that were hatched from April '13 through June '13



FR X Cx



FR X Cx II



Yng FR cockerel



Yng FR cock II



FR pullet



Adolescent FR

and last but not least,
3 young FR and a FR X Australorp

 

[WalkingWolf1]

Just a few points on these birds. None are penned and on feed. These birds free-range all day out on 10 acres and get some supplemental feed in the evening. We feel the birds are doing well and definitely hold their own as far as competing within the flock. We did not get to do what we originally intended by comparing the FR X Cx to the straight FR (F2). I have only just recently been able to set aside a cane I had to use to get around from ankle-fusion surgery back in January '13. Seems the foot-on-floor lifestyle from my younger years is starting to catch up with me. I hope these pics shed a little light on some folks curiosities.

 

[juststruttin]

In the context of "Pure Bred" then NO they do not breed TRUE. They do however continue to produce nice carcass birds that grow out basically the same. There is more variation in their grow out rate than the original freedom rangers. The color patterns that emerged was interesting as I'm sure it was parts of the different breeds showing through. With that said, we found it definitely worth the effort and it'll also put meat on your laying flock offspring as well. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

I want to thank you for sharing your project and experience with us over the past year. Very interesting info.

A friend gave me 5 FR to grow out (4 pullets and a roo) to adulthood for breeding purposes. He buys 300+ FR a year and although he is very happy with them, he feels that having chicks shipped to him year after year is not sustainable. We decided to try raising them ourselves to see if the F1 are comparable to parent stock.

Unfortunately, the project was cut short. Our rooster's legs got bowed around 18 weeks and he became increasingly uncomfortable so we decided the most humane thing would be to cull him. The 4 females are doing well and should start laying soon.

Since we no longer have a FR rooster, I plan to put two FR girls with my Bresse roo and two with my Sulmtaler rooster. I'll order more FR chicks in January and try to grow out a couple more roosters for the project.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Very curious what your opinion is comparing the 3 breeds. SHould make for nice meat birds all three.

 

[ijon]

I have a red ranger rooster that runs and wants to fly. Sometimes getting some air. He is ten pounds, I weighted him.They free range during the day. They are working up my garden now. The only bad thing about this is they are digging up my green onions.