Meat Bird+ Project: Delaware/New Hampshire/Barred Rock

[canecutter77]

So about three weeks ago, I butchered 3 delaware cockerels I bought back in the spring - bought 6 straight run at TSC which were from Ideal Hatchery. Wound up with 4 cockerels and 2 pullets. At 18 weeks old live weights were 4.96, 5.45, and 5.98 lbs. Dressed weights were 3.49, 3.82, 4.12 lbs. I guess this is Ok considering they were hatchery grade. I kept the largest and fastest growing cockerel. He's 21 weeks now and looks to be 7.5 lbs or more.

I've got a dozen heritage delaware hatching eggs from Deer Run Farms arriving next week. We will see if these do a little better.

 

[iwltfum]

So about three weeks ago, I butchered 3 delaware cockerels I bought back in the spring - bought 6 straight run at TSC which were from Ideal Hatchery. Wound up with 4 cockerels and 2 pullets. At 18 weeks old live weights were 4.96, 5.45, and 5.98 lbs. Dressed weights were 3.49, 3.82, 4.12 lbs. I guess this is Ok considering they were hatchery grade. I kept the largest and fastest growing cockerel. He's 21 weeks now and looks to be 7.5 lbs or more.

I've got a dozen heritage delaware hatching eggs from Deer Run Farms arriving next week. We will see if these do a little better.

I would say those are excellent weights for hatchery heritage birds. I would be really happy with that.