What's a better choice...RIR or Plymouth Barded Rock?

[Rosaleen]

A friend is giving me fertile eggs to hatch...she has RIR and Bard Rocks. As far as meat birds, which would be a better choice?

 

[sparkles2307]

Both are considered a dual purpose bird, which means they lay well, and get a bit of meat on them, but nothing compared to a meat breed. We have found that a Barred Rock is usually bigger than an RIR.

 

[Lotsapaints]

Depends.....I would choose BRs because they mature a little faster are these from hatchery stock? or a farm flock where they've been selected for fast growth? Both lay eggs well......pick the color you like and hatch them out all roosters taste mighty fine to me

 

[aoxa]

For what? Friendliness? Egg production?

My BR's are the friendliest and most vocal. Very good egg layers.

I've read that they are about the same for egg production. What ever you prefer to look at in your hen house I guess!

ETA: Didn't read you were looking for meat birds.. Why wouldn't you just get broilers or meat kings?

 

[aoxa]

Quote:
Actually, BR mature very slowly...

Their feather growth is much slower than other breeds..

 

[Rosaleen]

Quote:
They are farm raised. I already have some BR hens and may keep a rooster and a few more hens from this next batch.

 

[TedJan92_in_Idaho]

I purchased 30 barred rock and 15 RI pullet chicks in may at the same time. I am getting around 22 eggs a day from the Rock pen. Still waiting for a egg from the red girls

 

[aoxa]

Quote:
They are farm raised. I already have some BR hens and may keep a rooster and a few more hens from this next batch.

Take some of both.. I would.

 

[EMAW]

I have an idea, get some of both and see which one you like best for next time.....because no matter what you think you wll get more from her next year.

scott

 

[Lotsapaints]

Quote:
Actually, BR mature very slowly...

Their feather growth is much slower than other breeds..

Not birds bred for show but birds bred to do their job......sadly they haven't been chosen for fast feathering but they can be some strains feather up quicker. I always cull mine that take too long feather in all my breeds to me slow feathering is not a good trait and it can be improved on many on this board have crossed show to hatchery and have gotten some very nice "farm type" birds.