Out and out meat birds?

[Blue Man Dan.]

Many birds i see are Layers or Dual purpose, can anyone recommend a fast growing but traditional Meat bird that is bread mainly for meat?

 

[mstricer]

I see you are from the UK, I don't know what kinds of different breeds you can get there. Freedom Rangers are slow growers at about 12 weeks. I have some currently with some Cornish X's that will be butchered in a week and 1/2. Maybe you could do a search on fast growing traditional chickens in your area.

 

[HaikuHeritageFarm]

That was the original purpose of the Delaware, but now they're more dual purpose. Most "traditional" breeds will be dual purpose and tend to grow slower. Fast growing meat birds that don't need to be able to naturally reproduce are a modern invention.

You could try some Cornish, but I hear they are slow growers so I don't know if it's what you're looking for. They are bred mainly for exhibition now, I believe...

 

[mstricer]

Oh yeah how rude am I

Michele

 

[Judy]

Do they breed cornish cross or freedom rangers in England? If not, maybe just plain old cornish; I think they come in dark and white here. Or maybe they breed Cobbs over there.

 

[Blue Man Dan.]

am i right in thinking a Cornish is another name for an Indian game? How big would an indian game be at around 16 weeks?


Dam=n

 

[Buster52]

Blue Man Dan. :

am i right in thinking a Cornish is another name for an Indian game? How big would an indian game be at around 16 weeks?
Dam=n

Yes, you are correct, and not very big. 2 or 3 pounds maybe. Their main appeal is their breast meat. I found by crossing a Cornish roo over some big Rhode Island Red hens, you can get a really nice bird for the table. Cornish breast with a RIR frame.​

 

[Ariel301]

Quote:
Yes, you are correct, and not very big. 2 or 3 pounds maybe. Their main appeal is their breast meat. I found by crossing a Cornish roo over some big Rhode Island Red hens, you can get a really nice bird for the table. Cornish breast with a RIR frame.

Cornish, aka Indian Game are a pretty hefty, solid bird with a nice wide breast, but not a fast grower, you'd be looking at 20 weeks or so to produce one decently sized for the table.

 

[bigredfeather]

The Speckled Sussex roos make decent meat birds. They were the table bird of England 100 years ago, and in my opinion a very decent DP for eating.

 

[Blue Man Dan.]

Quote:
I can get hold of "Calder Rangers, Sussex Rangers and Blue Rangers" are these anything like the ones you mention?