Novice and wanting to start a project

[stephanimal]

Well I know I can reproduce those fast growing broiler chicks, ready for slaughter by 8 weeks of age, but I am looking for some big breasted birds. I know that Dark Standard Cornish have good breast, but are slow growers and not the best egg layers, but I bought 2 young hens today for $4.00 a piece about 3 months old. Not a bad price so I figured I would get them.

I have a Barred Plymouth Rock rooster and he is huge! I plan on putting these Cornish with him. He currently has 2 red sex links, 2 speckled sussexs (about to start laying), and a Welsummer. I have 6 chicks from the 3 girls who are currently laying and the roosters will be culled.

Now for my questions as I know little about chicken genetics and most of what I am finding is on coloring/patterns. Will breeding the offspring of my roo harm the future offspring? And what is the possiblity of me actually getting a good meat bird from the rock roo over a cornish hen? Hoping to slaughter them for a good sized carcass at 4-7months. And would it be better to breed back the offspring from that cross back to a rock?

I am looking for food production (eggs and meat). The pretty colors are nice to look at, but they won't keep the family fed.

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[stephanimal]

Wow I was tired when proof reading in the wee hours. It should say I know I can NOT reproduce those fast growing buggers that were soo tasty. But I want to get a decent meat bird. And know if breeding related poultry is going to be an issue for non-show, non-pure bred food producing birds.

 

[Kevin565]

I don't raise chickens so no clue about your other questions but You CAN breed offspring back to one of their parents. Many people prefer breeding back to parent over breeding Brother/Sister. Just as long as you introduce new blood down the road to prevent genetic deformities.

 

[stephanimal]

Okay thanks I will be adding new blood and new breeds down the road. Thanks!