JMF Jumbo Pharoah or Golden Layers?

[sarabeth485]

I'm looking to hatch my first batch of quail (I have 5 birds currently that I acquired as juveniles) and was hoping for input on which variety to choose. It looks like Kansas City Quail Farm offers eggs from JMF line of Jumbo Pharoah and Golden Layers. Anyone have input on which to choose? I'm not picky about color at this point so I'm inclined to go with the Jumbo Pharoah just for the increased egg size (14-16 versus 12-14 g). Any first hand experience or suggestions? Thanks!

 

[CoturnixComplex]

Jumbos lay bigger eggs but fewer of them. They're bred to put more energy into the meat.

Golden layers are bred specifically for egg laying.

So it just depends on your goals!

 

[sarabeth485]

I've read that too but on the KC Quail site they differentiate between Jumbo Brown Meat Maker that is a bigger bird but not as good at egg production and the Jumbo Pharoah line that is a little smaller bird but a better layer.

My goal is the eggs with the meat just being a side effect of flock maintenance (excess males, older layers, etc).

 

[CoturnixComplex]

I've read that too but on the KC Quail site they differentiate between Jumbo Brown Meat Maker that is a bigger bird but not as good at egg production and the Jumbo Pharoah line that is a little smaller bird but a better layer.

My goal is the eggs with the meat just being a side effect of flock maintenance (excess males, older layers, etc).

You're right, "jumbo" is kind of a catch-all for just bigger birds. The meat makers are definitely extremely bred for meat, but so are the Stellar Jumbos, and the A&Ms, so it really depends on what specific line you're getting.

It's really up to your preference. I can only vouch for the golden layers.

 

[sarabeth485]

Would you agree with the claim of 12-14 g eggs from the Golden Layers? I think I read somewhere that they tend to have a very calm temperament. Do you find that too?

 

[CoturnixComplex]

Would you agree with the claim of 12-14 g eggs from the Golden Layers? I think I read somewhere that they tend to have a very calm temperament. Do you find that too?

So, I only have golden Italian females at the moment, and they're some of my best and biggest layers.

I had an actual golden layer (which were partially created from golden italians) male at one point, and he was BIG and sweet. Never fought anyone! I actually sold him with a huge batch of birds to go into an aviary bevause I knew he'd do so well.