Does anyone have any suggestions for breeders of good utility stock? We are looking into getting some dual purpose birds with a keen interest in eating the extras. The laced varieties are gorgeous, and having some eye candy while we are raising these birds to POL or butchering age would definitely be a bonus, but I also know that the strains that win the shows aren't always the ones that make the best layers or the best meat birds. Also, does anyone have any input on the BLRW as dual purpose birds. My husband really fancies this variety in particular but, being a newly developed variety, I'm not sure how true to type or function even the best stock out there is. While I tend to agree with him on the aesthetics standpoint, the logical side of my brain is telling me that it may be better for us to stick with a more established variety for better conformation and grow out/laying qualities that are more representative of the Wyandotte breed.
I will squeeze in also and say that even though the BLRW are not accepted into the A.P.A standards YET, doesnt mean they do not meet the type,and representation of the Wyandotte breed.
Yeah, its hard to breed them as close as one might hope will be the standard, but alot of people breed their BLRW for diffrent traits, Foley breeds for DARK,crisp, red and blue lacing, and mohogony red, as some breed just for the smokey blue color with golden lacing. or dilutes their stock, Or they just buy from hatcheries that DO NOT breed to the standard.( Or future standard

)
but the better bred wyandottes are pricey.. I wouldnt eat my Foleys! too expensive! LOL
If you want wyandottes, the pretty lacing, rose comb, and fluffyness, I would buy chicks, or eggs from a backyard breeder, might not be EXACTLY bred to the standard, but it also will not break your pocket.I had a nice flock, wasnt SQ but alot of people wanted eggs, chicks, etc.