Lots of breeding questions

[mmeyette]

I have Rhode Island Red hens, and a Barred Rock rooster - so this cross would produce what? My understanding is the barring is dominate, so they would look like their daddy? Does the sex link only work the other way?

Also I want to try my hand at raising some broilers, could I cross my BR cockerel with dark Cornish hens and get something worth the hassle? I don't really like the idea of the Cornish Cross breed you order, i hear the mortality rate is like 30%. Since the breed mix is such a mystery - anyone try BR x cornish with any success? I understand they wont grow as fast as the 'super secret breed cornish x' but I think i'm OK with that!! Thanks in advance for the help!

I have been a hobby chicken owner for years and always just had layers, this is my first Rooster and attempt to raise my own chicks! Feel free to educate me

 

[tadkerson]

I have Rhode Island Red hens, and a Barred Rock rooster - so this cross would produce what? My understanding is the barring is dominate, so they would look like their daddy? Does the sex link only work the other way?

Also I want to try my hand at raising some broilers, could I cross my BR cockerel with dark Cornish hens and get something worth the hassle? I don't really like the idea of the Cornish Cross breed you order, i hear the mortality rate is like 30%. Since the breed mix is such a mystery - anyone try BR x cornish with any success? I understand they wont grow as fast as the 'super secret breed cornish x' but I think i'm OK with that!! Thanks in advance for the help!

I have been a hobby chicken owner for years and always just had layers, this is my first Rooster and attempt to raise my own chicks! Feel free to educate me

Sex links only work the other way.

You will not get a broiler. The cross will grow like normal chickens.

I feed restrict the cornish x I have raised and do not have problems with mortality.

Tim

 

[mmeyette]

Sex links only work the other way.

You will not get a broiler. The cross will grow like normal chickens.

I feed restrict the cornish x I have raised and do not have problems with mortality.

Tim

But the Cornish are good for meat? So wouldn't the Cornish/rock cross breed be good broilers even if they are not the super growing kind?

I guess my question is if the Cornish/rock would be better for meat than just the rock/rhode island cross, or enough to make it worth it.

 

[tadkerson]

But the Cornish are good for meat? So wouldn't the Cornish/rock cross breed be good broilers even if they are not the super growing kind?

I guess my question is if the Cornish/rock would be better for meat than just the rock/rhode island cross, or enough to make it worth it.

The chickens will not be much different than a cornish or a rock. They will have a body type more like a cornish. If you want meat, the best bird to get is the commercial meat birds. It will cost more to raise up a chick and the amount of meat will be much less on a cross you make yourself.

Many people eat the extra cockerels they produce.

Any chicken is good for meat, it is just a matter of time and money you want to spend. In 6 to 8 weeks you can raise a meat type bird and then process the bird. Less time and less feed.

Tim