What do you prefer?

[kyliesmommax5]

Hey there I am considering ordering another batch of butcher chickens. Which breed do you prefer and why? Would love to know!!

 

[cassie]

Cornish X. Hands down. Nothing else comes close.

 

[kyliesmommax5]

But isnt there alot of health issues involved in them?

 

[miss_jayne]

Quote:
only if you don't work with them correctly.

we did cornish x (125 last year) with no problems what so ever in AUGUST! i fed them twice a day with water 24/7. they ranged, no heart attacks, no leg issues. all tasted like chicken, with a nice rich flavor, no mushy meat.

the key to any meat bird is to process before 14 weeks. that is when the hormones kick in to create tough meat.

this year we are doing 375 Dixie Rainbows, in batches of 125. `. i want to utilize a bird that ranges just a bit more with a larger keel. (i have a large paddock for them).

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Where do you get Dixie Rainbows? Are they like Freedom Rangers and Colored Range Broilers?

I just like saying Dixie Rainbows, that would add to the fun of raising them. "Look at my new Dixie Rainbows! My Dixie Rainbows are really growing well. Is it time to process the Dixie Rainbows? What's for dinner? Dixie Rainbow! Please pass the platter of Dixie Rainbow." You see? Freedom Rangers sounds like a special military unit, and Colored Range Broiler is too much of a mouthful. But Dixie Rainbow sounds delightful and delicious already.

 

[jaku]

The health problems are VERY easy to avoid. Basically, give them the right food, and accept that you may lose a couple of them. The huge meat yield and butcher after 8 weeks more than makes up for it.

 

[sandspoultry]

Quote:
Here is a link to S & G Poultry that sell the Dixie Rainbows:
http://www.sandgpoultry.com/dixierainbow.html

Thanks,
Sharon

 

[warmfuzzies]

hmmmmm decisions, decisions.....

 

[Peruvian]

I just ordered another 30 CX from Moyer's in PA. The rangers I've raised since April look like they still have another 4-6 weeks before they will be big enough to process. 16 CX started at the same time are in the freezer!

Like jaku said, I've been able to avoid heart problems by feeding 12/12 and pasturing them.

 

[flashroute]

only if you don't work with them correctly.

we did cornish x (125 last year) with no problems what so ever in AUGUST! i fed them twice a day with water 24/7. they ranged, no heart attacks, no leg issues. all tasted like chicken, with a nice rich flavor, no mushy meat.

the key to any meat bird is to process before 14 weeks. that is when the hormones kick in to create tough meat.

this year we are doing 375 Dixie Rainbows, in batches of 125. `. i want to utilize a bird that ranges just a bit more with a larger keel. (i have a large paddock for them).

miss_jayne,
How many weeks did you wait to slaughter your Dix-Bows?
I am currently reading "Pastured Poultry Profits" and trying to "weigh" out the idea of going with a breed other than Cornish X.