Raising meat birds

[Chaerie]

I'm starting some research for meat specific birds. Still new to chickens, this is down the road.

Ideally I'd like to purchase like 20, raise and cull them, and keep a couple to breed my own. If the breed tends to not get broody, that's ok, I'll have a separate egg flock that can raise the meaties, or I'll get an incubator.

I'm having difficulty picking a breed I want. Cornish x is out, want something a little slower growing. I was thinking heritage white cornish but I can't seem to find chicks online. Dark cornish would probably work but I thought dark feathers means stained skin? And the other one I was considering is red rangers but I think they don't breed true? I'm thinking about starting next year so I have time to think about it.

 

[rjohns39]

You may want to checkout the Toad thread. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/toad-raising.1152440/
I raise CXs and will likely try some toads along the way.

 

[cppeace]

Any dp breed can be good meat, but most have small breast and take 16-20 weeks to get to decent size.
I plan to mix a few breeds and try and make my own(A goal of many)
For singular breeds, The chanticleer makes a decent meat bird, any of the standard Cornish breeds and the Rock and Delaware can also do well. Many others are decent as well but those are probably your best common bets for a sustainable breed for primary meat, secondary eggs.

 

[rjohns39]

Any dp breed can be good meat, but most have small breast and take 16-20 weeks to get to decent size.
I plan to mix a few breeds and try and make my own(A goal of many)
For singular breeds, The chanticleer makes a decent meat bird, any of the standard Cornish breeds and the Rock and Delaware can also do well. Many others are decent as well but those are probably your best common bets for a sustainable breed for primary meat, secondary eggs.

Check out the thread I suggested above... The Toads reproduce true and are huge!

 

[cppeace]

I will check it out but I doubt it is what I am trying to breed for. Lol I have a very specific look and purpose in mind for the breed I want to create. It will take several years.

 

[cppeace]

Yeah the toads look big but not really what I'm going for and not sure how they are breeding "true when they do have some odd colors mixed in- mostly white. I'm going for smaller comb, bigger (Not Cx though)breast, all season hardy, docile and to get a certain look,possibly sex link as well). Thanks for the link though.

 

[rjohns39]

Yeah the toads look big but not really what I'm going for and not sure how they are breeding "true when they do have some odd colors mixed in- mostly white. I'm going for smaller comb, bigger (Not Cx though)breast, all season hardy, docile and to get a certain look,possibly sex link as well). Thanks for the link though.

You're leaps and bounds beyond me... My customers demand big breasts, ergo CX--but we all know they aren't sustainable. Still trying to find a line in the middle. ARG

 

[Chaerie]

That's the thing. I'm not gonna be spending 2-3 per chick on top of feed every year. Plus the whole possibly breaking bones thing, I'm good on that.

 

[cppeace]

Well,as I am just breeding mostly for me and eventually maybe a few neighbors or friends I am not worried about having to have the super fast growth and girth of Cx.
I am just starting out but I know ton about breeding other animals and such and know how to breed something true and how to get the look I want. It will take at least 6 generations most likely to get exactly what I want. Possibly more than that because I want to keep certain cosmetic things as well and have a true breed. The Toad mentioned is not a True breed but is working on being one with a few more generations. It wouldn't throw two different types of combs or more than one look for the same breed of rooster/cockerel.
Just like making a new breed of dog it just takes time, work and persistence. I'm not trying to get a mammoth double breast or Turkey sized legs. I'm looking for more breast but quality and an overall good breed that grows fast but not abnormally/health threateningly fast. I am aiming for slaughter size in 14 weeks. I figure in 5-8 years I should have close to what I'm looking for. It could take as long as 20+ years though if I make some bad decisions lol