What is the best breed that will grow its population the quickest?

[WonkierZulu]

I think it has been well received? Many people just have their own experiences and opinions. I'm nowhere near an expert, and my project birds arent supposed to be this super survival type either. But I do focus on production, and get interesting results with that I've used. Best I can do is also share my experience and knowledge

I agree for the most part but I would have received it better if it pertained to a climate in the beginning.

 

[MysteryChicken]

EEs. Not something you are describing. Jungle fowl may be good at being wild. @MysteryChicken has a jungle fowl mix.

I have 2 JungleFowl hybrid hens.

 

[MysteryChicken]

My opinion on a fast to populate breed, would be pretty much any breed you allow to run feral.
Except for Exhibition quality Silkies, & Polish chickens.

 

[SunflowerKing]

My opinion on a fast to populate breed, would be pretty much any breed you allow to run feral.
Except for Exhibition quality Silkies, & Polish chickens.

Its a good point!

 

[MysteryChicken]

Its a good point!

Yep.

 

[3KillerBs]

Could I select for greater egg production and reproduction for my survival breed?

Broodiness and high egg production cannot co-exist. They stop laying when broody.

Okay, so you are looking for:

- Dual Purpose
- Go Broody
- Meaty
- Protective
- Reproduce fast

In all honesty, I do not believe you can achieve this with one breed or hybrid.

This.

the goal is to bot feed them anything I purchase.

Then you will not be able to raise big, meaty, high-production birds. Even in the most favorable climates, feral chickens always revert to a small, game-type bird with a lower laying rate.

 

[Geckolady]

My goal for the ultimate survival breed is highly reproductive and broody hens, large and meaty, fierce fighting roosters. Big wings. What do you guys think? Does this already exist?

Highly reproductive and broody don't go together. When they go broody, they sit on the eggs they've laid and stop laying. That's why the breeds that are bred to lay lots of eggs have had the broodiness bred out of them.

 

[Geckolady]

Jungle fowl definetly seems like a good start for my chicken. What about jungle fowl cross x australorp x Cochin?

Can I achieve size and survivability? I plan to totally free range these chickens on 50 acres.

Free ranging on acreage means the word will get out among predators that there are chicken dinners available at your place. You will lose some. And you'll have to build something as close to completely predator proof as possible to make it work.

 

[Outta Here]

Bielefelders are large and meaty, lay at 24 weeks, can lay 230-260 a year, and go broody...

 

[Geckolady]

I still think the OP needs to look into heritage breeds. They are breeds that people have kept for generations because they were able to use them on their homesteads, and they provide meat, eggs, and go broody. They're middle of the road, all-around chickens that do well for a lot of people.