We Made It!

[MrsKemmerlin]

DH and I butchered our 20 CC this weekend, they were exactly eight weeks & turned out AWESOME! I'm so pleased with the size & my freezer is very happy too! However I HATED raising them. They were just so incredibly different than all my other chickens - messy because they're lazy & lounge around half the day, etc. I'm looking for an amazing duel purpose breed & was hoping for suggestions. I'm looking for a big breed that can repopulate itself - I keep leaning towards Jersey Giants, but I'm not sure if my desire to add them to my flock is over powering the thought that they would be the best pick.. Help, please & thank you!

 

[Kernel Cluck]

I believe that RIR's are dual purpose and get fairly large.

 

[Chick Charm]

CX's are kinda gross aren't they? Jersey giants eat a LOT. If $ is an issue on the small scale I would recommend Rocks as they consume less. Rocks are a good heritage breed that meet most homestead needs if that is what you are after. If you want fryers then Leghorns are good and they forage for most of their intake on food if allowed to free range. You have some options.

Wish the best for ya.

 

[bowhunter862]

CX's are kinda gross aren't they? Jersey giants eat a LOT. If $ is an issue on the small scale I would recommend Rocks as they consume less. Rocks are a good heritage breed that meet most homestead needs if that is what you are after.

I'll second that. I raised Jersey Giants and Barred Rocks last year. The Giants ate a ton and after 6 months dressed out 3-5 pounds. They also had smaller breasts compared to the Rocks. The Rocks ate way less too. I dressed them at just under 6 months and they weighed just about the same as the larger Giants (about 4 pounds each). As for the table, the Rocks are MUCH better eating. Much better flavor and not near as tough as the Giants.

Good Luck.

 

[MrsKemmerlin]

Thank for the replies! I've heard good things about Rocks, I think they're winning in the polls