light sussex

[EricH]

hi, i just got some straight run light sussex chicks. do they fill out pretty nicely? anyone have any experience using them dual purpose?

 

[malignstar]

I bought some 12 week sussex roos from a local person and they have pretty much no breast meat. The legs were alittle meaty but they were pretty scragly. They might've needed to grow a bit more or be on a different feed?

 

[EricH]

Quote:
how old were they when you butchered? you didnt butcher at 12 weeks did you?

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

They grow VERY slowly...mine took close to a year to completely reach adult size & fill out completely...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=399458

As far as meat birds, they are far from economical because by the time they're ready to butcher, you've probably got $20 worth of feed into them (each one!) LOL I still cannot believe how much they eat. Their saving grace is their outstanding laying ability and wonderful personalities--otherwise, I'd have hit the road a long time ago!

 

[EricH]

man, thats pretty disappointing... oh well, we'll see what happens.. they sure are beautiful though

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Quote:
Of course, hatchery-strain LS might be a little different? I've only had experience with these (non-hatchery) and that's what's happened. I did start out with Sandhill LS and sold those before they got very big just because they were very "rangey" and long-legged.

 

[EricH]

Quote:
Of course, hatchery-strain LS might be a little different? I've only had experience with these (non-hatchery) and that's what's happened. I did start out with Sandhill LS and sold those before they got very big just because they were very "rangey" and long-legged.

after reading a lot of information it seems that the utilitarian traits were bred out of them and theyve become more of a novelty show bird... maybe ill try delaware? or white rocks? ...i dont want cornish X forever...

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Quote:
Of course, hatchery-strain LS might be a little different? I've only had experience with these (non-hatchery) and that's what's happened. I did start out with Sandhill LS and sold those before they got very big just because they were very "rangey" and long-legged.

after reading a lot of information it seems that the utilitarian traits were bred out of them and theyve become more of a novelty show bird... maybe ill try delaware? or white rocks? ...i dont want cornish X forever...

Yes, sadly....most birds today are either super-fast growers (meat birds who have heart attacks and can't walk), super-fast maturation layers (egg bound, egg issues or novelty/show birds that don't lay well but look "pretty!" LOL You know....I'm trying white Dorkings next spring...if I'm lucky to hatch enough...

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

get them fat on corn and butcher asap

 

[EricH]

thank you guys for the help. ill let you know what happens in oh....... 6 months or so... haha