Rhode Island Reds as meat birds

[ninny]

The feed store has SR RIR this week with cornish cross as well. As a newbie to meat birds should i get the rir instead? I can always use a extra layer.

 

[Lesa]

You know they claim RIR are dual purpose birds...mine are great layers, but they are sure skinny. I can't imagine you would get enough meat to make it worth while...I know some people use them for soup, but I doubt they would be good roasters. Good luck!

 

[phoenixmama]

RIR SHOULD be good dual-purpose birds...same with Plymouth Rocks and many others. The problem is that these days, their egg laying ability seems to be the only trait selected for. They aren't the meaty birds that our grandparents raised.

If they are hatchery stock, don't expect a super meaty bird. If they come from someone that is trying to preserve the true dual-purpose nature of the breed...then yes, go for the RIR.

Edited to add: I've coooked up a few RIR cockerels and a Plymouth Rock cockerel. For a family of 5, it was fine for one meal...but not enough for leftovers. That's why I think it's way more bang for your buck to raise the meat birds for your meat, not hatchery quality "dual purpose" breeds.

 

[ninny]

yeah these would be hatchery birds. So i'll get the others most likly

 

[Buster52]

I've butchered a few RIRs, found them delightfully delicious.

 

[Prettiest Frog]

Of my 20 or so RIRs, about half look like they might be worth the effort. So, if you are looking at chickens long-term, breed the biggest and the best and in a couple generations you'll have more dual purpose birds.

 

[ninny]

I talked to DH and he wants me to get the RIR. So i guess i'll be getting them instead. I just may play with breeding them too.

 

[willheveland]

Why not try some of each to see which is better for you. There is quite a difference in the two as far as meat goes and the time it takes to raise them up. Will

 

[Chicken411]

I second Wilheveland. Try them both.

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
I can't vouch for the authenticity of their claims but here's a hatchery that claims to be selling the true , big RIR so popular in the past ..... and the price is good . http://www.centralhatchery.com/index.html Since they breed their own sexlinks off these and show pics of their own breeding stock I tend to believe their claims .