Question about breeding Meat birds

[fresheggs4u]

I have the oportunity to purchase a dark cornish trio (Local), or 18 hatching eggs(shipped) . The trio is 8 months old and the hens are laying.

I have two questions:

1. Do you suggest the trio over the hatching eggs. I have a flock of 24 barred rocks and one BR rooster and then I also have 6 BCM hens and 1 BCM rooster. Would it be easier to hatch and intergrate the younger birds. I have had pretty good success in intergrating by feed the two sets of birds young and old in the fence row dividing their runs. Forcing them to get used to each other.

2. If i cross the Cornish Roo and BR hens, will i get a faster growing bird that will be fit to slaughter.

I guess i have three questions: LOL

3. Will the cross, if i do so, be easy to pluck. I have heard that dark feathered birds do not pluck as clean as white feathered.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[bigredfeather]

I would buy the trio over hatching eggs, for sure. With the trio, especially if they are laying, you are certain to have viable eggs anytime you want and as many as you want. I wish I had a local source for a trio. I would be all over it.

That cross would definetly be a good choice, and they will produce a nice meat bird.

I wouldn't think they would pluck any harder. I have never had a problem when I process my Black Copper Marans.

 

[fresheggs4u]

Thanks for your response! I have contacted the owner fo the trio and he is going to hold them for me until the weekend. Payday stuff LOL

I think i may go ahead and buy a dozen hatching eggs from him also.

Do you think that the rooster will adapt to me as his provider? Do you know if they are agreesive? If I go ahead and get some eggs if he doesn't adjust - well you know.

 

[bigredfeather]

Quote:
If your getting a trio, I wouldn't think there would be a need for eggs too. If he's local, you could always go back if the trio doesn't work out. Do what you want, but seems like a waste of $.

From what I read, DC's roosters are not aggresive unless you're another rooster.