R.I.R crosses

[Anonymous]

Hi can anyone tell me what the best thing to do with my R.I.R hens for breeding purposes.
should i keep them pure and put a R.I.R cock with them of should i cross them with another breed as you can sex the chicks from day old, and if so what crosses can be made and what name does this give the chicks. i hope you can all help with my dilemma.

 

[Chuck]

One of the traditional crosses is RIR male X Light Sussex hens. This gives you white male chicks and light brown females. The cross only works one way and will not suit you.

There are other crosses such as Barred Rock x RIR but I can't remember which way round it is to get sex linked chicks. I think it's RIR male on Barred Rock females.

 

[Anonymous]

Thankyou,

so would it be best to keep them pure RIR?

 

[Chuck]

If you can find a RIR male I'd be inclined to keep them pure. Are they a laying strain (utility) or show ?