[sheridal]

We currently have 3 laying birds (hybrids) and just about to get some growers for sunday lunch.

If all goes to plan and we are able to do the deed and eat the growers, then I would like to try breeding our own for the table.

So the question is, what type of chicken would you go with for breeding with our hybrids? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[muntjac]

what hybrids have you got ... then look for a bird of similar qualities and try to improve .. looking at australorp here at the moment  most of the bigger meat birds came about by crossing the same qualities with say a brahma to give the bird bulk to cary the meat on  

[Foxy]

what hybrids have you got ... then look for a bird of similar qualities and try to improve .. looking at australorp here at the moment  most of the bigger meat birds came about by crossing the same qualities with say a brahma to give the bird bulk to cary the meat on  

Thats interesting, faverolles (which are my main breed) originated possibly by crossing dorkings, houdins and brahmas to create a good dual purpose meat bird. They used to use favs commercially in the 40s/50s before the onset of intensive farming. Nowadays they are slightly more geared to exhibition so a bit more fluffy and less meaty although one hen I have bred from who is very heavy and not an exhibition strain has thrown some huge chicks! So we have decided eat our surplus cockrels as an experiment.

[sheridal]

Initially I was thinking of orpingtons, but someone told me that although they are big, there is not alot of meat on them, I did hear that ixworths may be a good idea,

I am not exactly sure what our hybrids are, one I think is a maran based hen. The other two not sure about. One is blacky green with a uff head, the other is buff. I got them from our local school farm.

Thanks for the info so far.

[agapanthus]

Initially I was thinking of orpingtons, but someone told me that although they are big, there is not alot of meat on them, I did hear that ixworths may be a good idea,

I am not exactly sure what our hybrids are, one I think is a maran based hen. The other two not sure about. One is blacky green with a uff head, the other is buff. I got them from our local school farm.

Thanks for the info so far.

As foxy says Faverolles are a good choice. We are giving ixworths a try at the moment....or at least we have 2 broodies sitting on a dozen(fingers x ed on this). Have also heard that Australorps are a good all rounder....loads of eggs and good for the table too.

[Bodger]

Your hybrids are a poor start for breeding table birds. They have been bred with egg laying solely in mind and IMO, it wont matter which male bird you put them to, you'll get very poor returns for your efforts.