Urban chicken farmer here, I wasn't planning on getting meat bird because I assumed they would have to be roosters but I heard about female meat birds and was wondering if those do exist, and if they do any suggestions on what breed or hatchery. Thanks a lot, Charlie Pie
Ok, do more research on meat birds. You can get males, females or straight run. The males tend to be bigger.
all breeds and types of poultry come in both male and female form. If you are meaning female CX, yes they exist and they take a week or two longer to grow out than their male counterparts. However, that said the males are butchered around 8 weeks prior to crowing, therefore easily raised in town as well.
Pretty funny Katy, I love how your responses of that nature drool the sarcasm ever so politely. You're providing a service by directing people, seriously.
admittedly I was being a bit sarcastic on the other one, BUT NOT THIS ONE really! I not only understand but enjoy when people ask for directions with something they know nothing about, it's fun to help and watch them get excited about it. (I work with refugees - you should see my explaining a toilet demo to someone who doesn't speak english!) But really I think everyone possible should raise their own meat birds and get that one little baby step away from the commercialism we have come to rely so heavily upon. But you can make fun of me whenever you want
Musco, This thread is really great and can explain the different birds a bit. At the top of this forum, there's a sticky with other useful meatbird links and information. We already have pullets that are going to be laying hens, but I recently ordered red meat birds that are like Freedom Rangers. I decided not to have my first try be with the Cornish Cross. I ordered them straight run - so I'll have both males and females. I ordered them from one of BYC sponsors - Ideal. The chicks will be arriving in the mail. Good luck
