Need Meat Bird Suggestions

[mamdoe]

Thinking about getting some meat birds...but I don't want to get the cornish rocks.
Looking for something that will free range well.
Suggestions?

 

[matthewschickens]

I've never tried them but
Freedom Rangers

 

[scubaforlife]

I have been really happy with my Freedom Rangers, they grow pretty fast. They get big. They forage and are hearty.

 

[tomzr2]

Have 60 Freedom Rangers I am processing Saturday. They have been a pleasure to raise.

 

[Bossroo]

You know that by educating yourself first

by reading the positive result posts regarding the Cornish X right here on BYC forums, you will be more than pleased with the results.

 

[the_great_snag]

Where do you buy freedom rangers? I'm intrigued...

 

[cjdmashley]

Started the season saying "No cornish X's" and still ended up ordering 30 (they shipped 32) and all are in a very large tractor, moved often, and are all happy, healthy (and not nearly as yucky-for lack of a better word-than I had been told by friends) Actually not minding them at all and with all the helpful info on BYC they have been a joy. Hoping they make my freezer look as joyful.

 

[eKo_birdies]

Quote:
JM hatchery sells "freedom rangers" but there are other hatcheries out there that sell colored (red and black) broilers as well. i think ideal may have them?

 

[Hillsvale]

Quote:
My cornish cross free range from 5am until we put them to bed around 9... for anyone who thinks they don't eat grass, rocks and bugs... I have the photo's to prove them wrong. My cornish are dressing out at about 7lbs

 

[Mamaperreca]

So when you are free ranging your Cornish do they grow as fast? Are they still ready for butcher in 6-8 weeks?

To the Original Poster: We had "Pan Fry Specials" aka Dual Purpose breeds (RIR, Astrolorps, Barred Rocks, etc) They took FOREVER to get to weight, but that is also because we were misinformed that they would take 6 weeks. So we were wondering what was wrong. Much like any grass fed animal they took longer to get to butcher weight than a strictly grain fed animal. When they were getting close to ready we quit free ranging for a few weeks to help them eat more grain and fatten up. That all said, we thoroughly enjoyed our birds. They were fun to watch and they would come to us for treats and all that kind of thing.