what is the best meat bird that I can hatch myself?

[irf1983]

I would like people's opinions on the best breed that I can hatch myself when I need a batch of meaties. Having to buy chicks seems to defeat any hope of self sufficiency. Thanks!

 

[usschicago1]

Freedom Rangers. Heres Some pictures of them : https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=84114

You need to buy them as chicks, its the only way you can get these. But after that you can hatch these yourself for future generations to come. Ill find the website

 

[usschicago1]

FOUND IT

http://www.jmhatchery.com/

 

[MrChicken207]

You could always raise your own cornish and your own rocks/delawares/dorking/faverolle (pick one or two, it's up to you) and produce your own cornish cross chicks. In many cases, they can be hatched and raised by the hen and you would save a lot of time and effort. In addition, you can also raise the extra birds (mostly males) of the full breeds until they are to butchering size and have some nice BBQ or fried chicken from time to time.

 

[irf1983]

Quote:
Thanks!

 

[Salt and Light]

Can Freedom Rangers be bred true?

 

[PineappleMama]

I'ma refer you to another thread... this one is asking Broilers vs Dual Purpose... I mentioned that some DP birds were considered Meaties until the hybrids came along... plenty of other folks have chimed in... might be worth a read.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=376490

 

[MrChicken207]

I know it's off topic, and I apologize to the OP, but

Nice Avatar PineappleMama

 

[irf1983]

Quote:
Thank you. I have seen a lot of people suggest buff orp roos. Why only the roosters? I've also heard that Freedom Rangers have short life spans and lots of complications due to rapid weight gain, so would they really be ok to keep and breed?

I have a cockerel and a couple of hens from a batch of houdan crosses I was thinking about butchering to get my feet wet, but I have no idea what the meat will be like.

On another note, do meaties require a coop to go into at night like most layers have?

 

[TimG]

Quote:
They're a hybrid, so will not breed true. I haven't seen any reports of individual results. If anyone knows of some, please let us know, lots of people in this forum are interested.