Meat Bird Newbie Questions

enggass

Crowing
14 Years
Mar 8, 2010
1,687
69
331
Mid-Coast Maine
Hi all, I have had layer chickens for the past 3+ years. This coming Spring I plan on getting some meat birds. A few questions.
I am in the Northeast - what would be the best month to get them? I am thinking May as that is when my brooder will be available after my first hatch of layers. How long do meat birds need heat? I know they grow quickly...

Next, what breed and source can you all recommend me getting them from? I'm thinking Cornish as opposed to Rangers. What are my options? Breeds? Breeders? Hatcheries?

Any input appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
 
I have dark cornish chickens.one roo and two hens and a cockerelle.

They by far are so meaty,and dual purpose.My roo, Cogburn, is a mating machine!! he sires out more hens than roos.

good breed,good choice,chicks hatch out great and good Om Nom Nomity Nom Nom!
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gmendoza, what do you think about the red broilers vs/black broilers? which are the best?
Dont really know since I havent grown any red broilers before.I did the hybrid cornish whites, and the non-hybrid dark cornish,so I cant make a comparrison. If they grow out in 8 weeks then they are hybrids.Our dark cornish are normal birds,not frankenchicken.They grow out normal speed,but buld up along the way.
 
Cornish Cross would work fine in your area. May would be a good time to start, since your summers aren't all that hot.

Meyers and McMurray hatcheries have good luck.
 
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