Good second breed for meat and eggs?

[bufforp89]

So next year I plan on getting more chickens to raise and sell in my area. There is a demand in the area but no place to really get them other than ordering them through the mail.

My question is what is a good breed to use? I need a breed that matures faster then the orpingtons that I currently have, produces eggs well and will still make a decent table bird that way if I can't sell them I can raise them for more eggs or if they are boys, meat. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[louloubean]

i got my barred rocks because they are a good dual breed.
so far, they have been somewhat "early" to start laying, and are quiet and very friendly with our little kids.

good luck!

 

[patandchickens]

Things that reach a good body size are not as economical to keep as layers as those that are smaller and/or scrawnier, so there is an inherent conflict in having something be GOOD for both egg-sales and meat.

As long as you don't mind your chickens small and a bit 'scrawny', I'd suggest leghorns or sexlinks. You certainly can eat them, there's just less "there" there, esp. the leghorns.

If you want something meatier, rocks from a good laying line would be a good choice, but they will not be as economical layers. (e.t.a. - or RIR or NHR from good laying lines; or if laying performance is not so important, then any other breed you can get as long as you get it from someone you can trust to report age of first lay, and laying performance, *honestly* so you can decide if it'd be good enough for you)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat