Breeding Chickens

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watson

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Brought over here from my introduction thread ...........

We currently have 4 buff orpingtons and about 15 mixed layers.

We are hoping to start breeding but not quite sure on what breeds, what breeds are peoples favs? We have lots of space so was thinking about having 3 different breeds, 1 of them we are thinking about are marans as the brown eggs are quite popular but unsure on the other 2.

Any tips or suggestions would be great!

Cheers Carl

@marigold we are planning on selling them at POL maybe as chicks, we will be keeping a couple of the coloured egg layers as our own and selling the rest.

@chrismahon we will be eating the surplus cockrels so thats not too much of a problem especialy as the kids love chicken! We have loads of space so we will have a seperate area for growers.
 
Hello Watson and welcome to the forum,
have you considered Leghorns?
I think absolutely gorgeous birds, and regardless of colour, lay large white eggs in profusion, true laying machines, and great to have, everything done at almost breakneck speed with great elegance!.
Chickens with style and attitude.
 
we havn't really considered anything yet, iv been thinking about a dual purpose breed so maybe something like a sussex but as i say im open to suggestions.

I am currently building the extra houses and runs so wont be buying any chickens / eggs just yet anyway
 
Not too much meat on a Leghorn, did'nt realise dual purpose!
I think Sussex are supposed to be dual, also Rhode Island Red, I had one that weighed a ton, she really was a BIG girl.
I have a couple of barred Plymouth Rock girls, and though young as yet, they are shaping up to be heavy girls.
Wish I could help sensibly with info., my girls are pets who happen to lay yummy eggs, but won't ever make the pot.
All the best in your new venture.
 
cheers, they dont have to be dual purpose, the reason i thought about dual purpose as the surplous cocks could be ate rather than wasted. We will be selling them so depends on what people want to what we breed
 
Well of course, as a dual purpose utility bird Cuckoo Marans take some beating. If you want the darker eggs, then make sure the strain you are buying is known for its egg colour, as sometimes it can be dissapointing

I like a real dual purpose type, so my boys come out at about 2-2.5 kilos dressed at 24-30 weeks on straight wheat and free range, and the girls make a good account of themselves in the nest box with nice dark and large sized eggs. You can check out my website, or go to http://www.themaransclub.co.uk for lots more info on the breed.

I am trying out French Marans again this year (third time lucky I hope as was not impressed previously) so far looking quite good. Time will tell, and I shall let you know. :-)17
 
Not easy to find good dual purpose breeds any more as many, such as the Light Sussex, have been bred primarily for eggs for decades although they were originally dual purpose. The Speckled Sussex might still be an option as they were the original meat type of Sussex. Todays carcasses will be OK for home use but may not be very sellable as by modern standards they look rather scrawny.
 
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