non hybred meat bird

[arkangel]

Looking for a good meat bird that I can hatch eggs myself. Any info would be helpful thanks. I dont want to buy chicks or eggs every year, you know the do it yourself thing.

 

[Ridgerunner]

TimG's very long thread about growing out Freedom Rangers might interest you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=318364

Other than something like this, any of the dual purpose breeds might be a good fit for you. I personally raise mutts, having crossed a few Dual Purpose breeds to get fun colors and patterns, then selectively breed the larger birds and eat the smaller ones. My pullets don't get all that big but I get some nice roosters.

The breeding stock you start with is important. I got mine from a hatchery and started selective breeding. I'm pretty pleased with the results but I could have gotten there a little faster if I had started with stock from a breeder that was breeding for larger chickens. Just because someone is a breeder does not mean that larger birds is their goal. Youy need to find a breeder that has goals that tie into yours.

As far as selecting which breed or breeds to start with, the only real recommendation I will make is that you consider a lighter colored chicken if you plan on plucking them. The darker feathered chickens will leave a lot of pinfeathers that you can see, so the carcass is not as pretty. The lighter colored chickens, such as Delaware, White Rock, New Hampshire, Buff Orps, or similar colored birds will also leave the pinfeathers, but you will not be able to see them.

Good luck! You can have some fun with this.

 

[Bossroo]

Remember ... the chickens are supposed to work for you, NOT the other way around. In this economy, the do it yourself premise of hatching your own and raising them to slaughter will cost much more per pound of harvested chicken than if you purchased a specialized meat or egg layer chick.

 

[arkangel]

Thank you very much for the info. Ive been looking at the delawares for a combo bird. We just had our first hatch last nite . 32 eggs from our RI reds we have 8 to go The kids are loveing it. Hopeing for a 100% hatch rate. Thanks again for the help.

 

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

We have black australorp but didn't even consider the black pin feather thing. Wondering ... our feed store will have some california white pullets in April ... how are those for breed-for-yourself meaties?

Thanks.