which to butcher

[Ole and Lena]

We started with 30, after some attrition we have 25 that are approaching roasting pot size. We plan on carrying 15 through the winter and hopefully self-propagating some replacements to get back up to the 30 range next spring. Our flock is about 50/50 barred rocks and Wyandottes. The rocks are larger. Mostly interested in egg-laying hardy birds. It gets REALLY cold here. The extra roosters will definately go under the knife, but we will also need to butch about 5 hens.

Is there any difference for table fare between these breeds? Which suit our purposes better to keep? How do crosses between these 2 breeds turn out?

 

[bobbi-j]

Just wanted to say

from another Minnesotan! I have wyandottes right now, and I don't think they lay as well as the BR's I've had in the past. Could be that they're hiding their eggs - they free range most of the day and we have a lot of places they can go... As far as hardiness, I've had both in the winter and they've both done well. The rocks will give you more meat... I'm trying to start a dual-purpose flock myself. I decided this AFTER I purchased my pullets last spring, and then got a Brahma rooster last summer. So, I don't have the best meat-making breeds, but am hoping the size of the brahma will carry through. I was hoping for a broody this year, didn't end up with one, so may buy an incubator next spring. Good luck in your decision!

 

[Mrs. K]

I checked with Henderson's chart, and both breeds are considered dual purpose breeds, infrequent brooders, but excellent mothers and have yellow skin. So I don't think it would make much difference.

If you do get a broody, you can add live chicks to her right at hatching time, and she will raise the whole group if you wanted to add a different breed. For instance a more broody breed, if you incubate you don't need too, but I have found a hen raising chicks is the way to go for me. You might need a couple of broodies to get back up to 30 in the spring.

I did eat my barred rock roo's last year, and they were tasty, but I think I should have kept them longer than 4 1/2 months.

MrsK