Source for Rangers / CornishX Chicks

[Frog Bog]

Hoffmans or Moyer for cornish X and Freedom Ranger hatchery for the freedom rangers.

In my experience I like the freedom rangers over the Koshers or similar strains from other hatchery's. The Koshers have a nice carcass dressed, but seem to be more "Greasy/oily" and a lot of small hairs and tiny dark feathers stick to the skin and it's hard to clean off. Had to explain, it's not pin feathers. Both taste great and about the same time on range to slaughter.

 

[Acre4Me]

We’ve had good luck with Eagle Nest hatchery http://eaglenestohio.com/. They have their own 2 strains of Cornish type: White Mountain Broiler and Super Roaster. We’ve done straight run and males only. We don’t notice a huge difference between strains, but the males are larger than the females. Good female carcass size, just smaller than the males. They remained walking and active, even waddle-running, up to the end. Prices, very good, but we drive to pick up so not sure on shipping costs. Owners are very knowledgeable and active in the Poultry world. They just started to sell Red Dorkings. We have some 22 week RD from them, and we will be butchering one male this weekend. They also sell BJG, but I don’t think they list on their site. The BJG are very large and very good examples of the breed, with correct shape etc. we have a 22 week old BJG from them that we will also butcher this weekend.

 

[FortCluck]

We’ve had good luck with Eagle Nest hatchery http://eaglenestohio.com/. They have their own 2 strains of Cornish type: White Mountain Broiler and Super Roaster. We’ve done straight run and males only. We don’t notice a huge difference between strains, but the males are larger than the females. Good female carcass size, just smaller than the males. They remained walking and active, even waddle-running, up to the end. Prices, very good, but we drive to pick up so not sure on shipping costs. Owners are very knowledgeable and active in the Poultry world. They just started to sell Red Dorkings. We have some 22 week RD from them, and we will be butchering one male this weekend. They also sell BJG, but I don’t think they list on their site. The BJG are very large and very good examples of the breed, with correct shape etc. we have a 22 week old BJG from them that we will also butcher this weekend.

BJG is a slow grower and not a lot of meat. I have them as well. I actually crossed my Delaware with my BJG rooster to get meat chickens. Crossing the BJG makes them grow faster otherwise you'll be waiting a long time for enough meat. The first year of a BJGs life is all about building their structure and the second year is about filling in.

 

[FortCluck]

@Acre4Me heres my boy Squatch. He's almost 8 months, but he's more bone than anything else. He's a big boy though. I can't wait to see how he fills out.

 

[Molpet]

I purchased 3 Bresse chicks from Greenfire. Not cheap - but as I'm in experiment mode, I'm willing to spend a little so I can learn. I ended up with 2 cockerels and 1 pullet. They are separated right now, but 1 of the cockerels will go in the freezer, and 1 will go towards a flock I will ry to raise. I have tasted Bresse in France years ago, and it really was incredible. Hoping I can replicate that on my own. I will let you know!

Might think about trying to sell the extra cockerel. I would buy him if I was close

 

[Acre4Me]

@Acre4Me heres my boy Squatch. He's almost 8 months, but he's more bone than anything else. He's a big boy though. I can't wait to see how he fills out.

View attachment 1985045

My 22 month BJG is molting and looks somewhat pathetic. However, Im astounded that our 22 week old BJG males are pretty close in size to the older BJG!!! They are also heavy, although I didn't weigh them yet. We have two BJG at 22 weeks, so we plan to butcher one soon since we don't plan to have two BJG males around. We will butcher the smaller/lighter male. I'll be interested to see how much meat as compared to bone structure on that bird.

 

[Folly's place]

I also like the Freedom Ranger hatchery in Pennsylvania for their FR's. Nice birds, arrived healthy, and good pricing.
Mary

 

[ThracianHorse]

I am going to be the voice of dissent on Meyers for cornish X. First batch of 25 I got from them two years ago? Perfect. No problems. Last year? Birds dropping dead at 7 weeks of age and 3 or 4 at butchering time out of 20ish remaining birds from a starting number of 25 (8 weeks old on the nose) displaying ascites. I am of the opinion they got birds from someplace different than the year prior, and they were the most disgusting birds I have ever raised.

This year I am going to try Privetts slow broilers of both the red and white variety.

 

[Acre4Me]

Posted the results of the BJG and Dorking processing today. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/22-week-bjg-and-red-dorking-comparison.1342976/

@FortCluck you might be interested since you'll be butchering BJG or BJG crosses next year.