whats the best type of meatie ?

[pattgal]

I am new to this. and for some odd reason i didn't know there were other types or meat birds out there.
I start to wonder sometimes how healthy a bird can be when they grow so fast.
I would really prefer to see a bird that could forage properly

 

[ChikeeMomma]

I did Dixie Rainbows (free range bird) last year from S&G Poultry. They took way longer than they should have -- therefore more time and way more money into them ( I let them go to about 16-17 weeks because they weren't big enough at the suggested 12 weeks). I have never done the rangers from JM Hatchery, although, I've heard that they certainly are ready at 12 weeks. The DRs still tasted good. This year I am trying Cornish xs and so far I am happy. I do let mine out into a run (12x20). They do forage a bit. It probably all depends on what age you let them out to run around or put them in a tractor. I also let them out of their run from time to time to range around. Mine are 5 & 6 weeks of age and run around quite a bit for what I expected of a Cornish X. I put my water and feed outside every day -- so they have to go out (it's been that way since they were three weeks old). I know some people have said that they've got an aggressive batch here and there, but mine have been really nice and docile. My DRs started to get mean with me -- everytime I walked in I had to fight a couple of them off. So I'd say try the rangers from JM Hatchery or try a batch of Cornish Xs (I know that I am going to have less money into Cornish Xs than I did on my DRs). Good luck in your search!

 

[CherokeeCowgirl]

I am so partial to the cornish game hens. I really like those but all other chickens are good to me. I usually eat RIR, BO and BRs because that is what we have the most of. The extra free ranged roosters and hens are very good eating. I prefer to eat hens though.

 

[pattgal]

I saw on the breeds page that the araucanas are considered dual purpose, would an EE be considered dual purpose as well?

 

[ChikeeMomma]

I think EEs are kinda on the small side and scrawny. My EE roo is two years old and is nice sized, but it took him a very long time to get that way. My EE hens are definitely not worth eating.

I've read/heard that people suggest Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, and Buckeyes for a good dual purpose. My BO and BR hens are even a okay size for eating. It may take them 16-20 weeks to reach a good size for eating. I'd go with roos if you had a choice -- they'll be bigger.

 

[pattgal]

I got 10 EE's (just had to have those green eggs) and 20 cornish cross for this year in a separate pen. but my idea of a perfect setup would be to have one bird that could be used for both purposes and breed them ourselves. We process the ones that we no longer needed or don't have room for in the winter and keep it going this way. To be more self sufficient i guess
The only bird I have any experience with doing this is the rhode island reds and it worked pretty good (mind you it was when we were kids and mom never kept any for winter or breeded them)
Would it be possible to have the reds intermingle with the EE's? or would it be more efficient to stay with the cornish cross and forgoe the whole hatching experience all together?

 

[ChikeeMomma]

RIR are probably a good dual purpose, too. You could let them mix and see how it turns out. My EE hens are the smallest of my LF birds and not very much meat on them. It will all taste the same

, you might not get as much meat.

As far as being cost efficient -- the Cornish Xs are going to give you more bang for your buck (meat produced, feed costs, time), but they are not efficient at reproducing. You'll just have to decide what's best for you in the long run.

 

[Bossroo]

Consider this... you own a widget factory... you have a group of workers that each produce 5 widgets in 8 hours. You have another group that each produces 3.5 widgets in 18 hours. Which group would you continue to keep as your employees?

 

[frozen1]

Quote:
That says it all!!!!!

with the feed cost here thats about all you can do.

 

[Sherripark]

I have Plymouth Rock hens and they are quiet large, I think they would do well as a meat bird. If I didn't enjoy looking at them so much.