I'm trying to decide wether to buy some RIR or Production Red roos to cross with some RIW and BR hens to make sex-links. My goal: an easy-keeper hen that lays lots of big brown eggs. Ideal says that their PR lays more and larger eggs than their RIR. But they also say:
"Since they have brittle feathers and because their body size is relatively small for the size eggs that they produce, they are more susceptible to cannibalism and are not recommended for high-density wire laying facilities."
Do I need to worry at all about this? Especially since any hens I'd have would be at most half PR? Above all, he'd also need to be a good rooster (though I realize that there are individuals within breeds). He needs to treat me with respect, and be good to his hens, while keeping all of the eggs fertile. Which breed should I choose???
"Since they have brittle feathers and because their body size is relatively small for the size eggs that they produce, they are more susceptible to cannibalism and are not recommended for high-density wire laying facilities."
Do I need to worry at all about this? Especially since any hens I'd have would be at most half PR? Above all, he'd also need to be a good rooster (though I realize that there are individuals within breeds). He needs to treat me with respect, and be good to his hens, while keeping all of the eggs fertile. Which breed should I choose???
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