Meat qualities of Delawares - a BYC "article" :)

[joletabey]

TimG,
Well, you have given me some ideas. . . as soon as I quit seeing their faces looking up at me for treats, I will take one out of the freezer.

 

[Badrock2]

Quote:

Thanks for the post. I started looking into Delawares about a year ago and this is the most complete explanation and description I have come across.

I'm curious about a couple of things in your post:

1) Are you saying that crosses tend to be larger than their parents? I have read about hybrid vigor, but thought that this generally referred to health rather than size. I also know that a lot of Rhode Island Red crosses are sold as egg layers. I thought this was originally done because of the ability to sex chicks. Are you saying that these crosses will generally produce more eggs than pure bred Rhode Island Reds (and whatever they are being crossed with)?

2) What kind of breeding program would you imagine for Delawares that would produce a viable free-range broiler? You mention outcrossing, with what breeds? And, how much success do you think could be had with selective breeding of Delawares? These are sort of academic questions, though I have some interest in such a program, I'm not equipped (or experienced enough) to undertake it at this time. But, I am very curious about the process.

Thanks,
Tim

I have the same questions as you. I have acquired Both Barred Rock and Delawares this spring. One roo each and three females each. Hatchery chics. They now are 8 weeks old. I want to look into crossing these two breeds separately with something else to maximize the meat to egg ratio. This is the first opportunity for me to do this. I have had chickens for years. Just the good ole backyard kind. This is going to be an interesting project. I have lots of learning to do!