Layer chicks for meat

[Warthog]

I am only keeping layer chicks, when the laying decreases to a point where it is not viable to keep them for egg production, are they good for culling for meat.

 

[cassie]

They make good soup, fricassee, etc.

 

[jaku]

I don't eat mine- I have plenty of meaties, and it's just not worth it (for me,) for a chicken that isn't going to be as good anyway. I figure all the laying they did, I got more than enough "use" from them. You certainly can eat them though.

 

[wood duck whacker]

I am new to chickens i have bought some assorted reds from tsc. are they better laying chickens or meat chickens and what exactly is a meat chicken

 

[Buster52]

Quote:
A chicken raised specifically for meat, usually one with a good size to it. Most people here use the Cornish Rock Cross, some the Freedom Ranger or other of the ranger type hybrids. There is a type of Redbro Naked Neck bred specifically for meat production. Many of us prefer heritage breeds that breed true for our meat chickens.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Quote:
The bird you have is probably some sort of production type Rhode Island Red. It's hard to say, but more than likely the are great layers. Meat chickens, are really any type of chicken used for meat. However the cornish x's are used only for meat, they are processed at 6-8 weeks of age. Which is why people call them meat birds or "meaties"

Any chicken can be used for meat, so do your homework before venturing into that area. You have Dual Purpose breeds (Buckeyes, Delaware, Plymouth Rocks, ect.) and then you have the crosses ( Cornish x Rocks, Colored Broilers, or Naked Necks)

There are many different avenues you can take, so read up on them. To answer your other question, yes you can eat the layers after they are done laying. They amazing dishes, my favorite being "chicken noodle soup"

 

[Ibicella]

I do the same. Thins the flock for fresh layers, plus I find them much better for making stock.