Help us decide what birds to keep for meat and when to butcher.

[Crittercuddler]

I would love to get input on the taste and tenderness of birds of different breeds raised for meat. I'm not limiting the possibilities to "meat" breeds. With store bought birds we tend to buy a 4ish lb bird, so I'm not looking to grow 10lb birds. I'm shooting for 3-5 lbs, nutritious, tasty and tender. We do plan on having them in a chicken tractor ASAP and can provide a heat lamp in their outdoor setup. Any advice is appreciated... anecdotes, book suggestions, etc.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

For tender and economy go for a Cornish/rock cross or a freedom ranger.
For flavor go for a heritage breed.

This chart will give you information on the most flavorful heritage breeds.

http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf

pasturing them will make them nutritious regardless of the breed