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chickens

meat/layers

Posts: 200

Location: Augusta,Ks

posted 12 years ago

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I know this has probably been discussed here previously, so i apologise if i am covering often trod ground.

Moved to a new location, and i miss my chickens! Here is my problem;

Relativly remote area, with lots of chicken eating critters sharing my neighborhood. I dont mind building a critter proof pen, but dont really have time, or money, to build two. I plan on ordering chicks in the spring, and here is my question;

I have raised meat, and laying chicks before, but never together. Is it safe to do so, or because of the maturing at different rates, will it cause problems?

Or

Is there a breed of chickens that make suitable layers, and meat birds?

S Bengi

pollinator

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Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat

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posted 12 years ago

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If you build their sleep area 6ft off the ground, it should be critter proof.
They do have chicken that are both. They are also more "wild" and broody, which maybe a good thing with the critters around.
Having them togather should not be a issue. You should throw in 2 turkey too.

Iterations are fine, we don't have to be perfect
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Robert Ray

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Location: Cascades of Oregon

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posted 12 years ago

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I've never had a problem with raising different breeds in the same pen.

Our inability to change everything should not stop us from changing what we can.

Tyler Ludens

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Location: Central Texas USA Latitude 30 Zone 8

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posted 12 years ago

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I have had good success with Partridge Rock and Barred Rock for meat and eggs.

Idle dreamer

mick mclaughlin

Posts: 200

Location: Augusta,Ks

posted 12 years ago

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Thanks folks!

Angelika Maier

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Posts: 1475

Location: Zone 10a, Australia

posted 12 years ago

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We have always all sorts of chicken together and yes there can be problems. ISA browns are nasty one has the name nasty aunt the pick the chicks badly and we had to take out small ducklings, but chicks can cope better with the situation. I would always go for dual purpose. We have aracaunas, mixes and light sussex, which are not as bad as the nasty aunt.

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Nechda Chekanov

Posts: 66

Location: Zone 7a

posted 12 years ago

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i also have mixed breed. the RIR reds are mean and nasty- top of pecking order- but it's pretty normal it think. they don't peck to the point of bag damage though.

the one thing i would say- cornish X (if you are raising those) had thin skin and tend to injure more easily.

Not afraid to get dirty.

Francis Oublieux

Posts: 34

Location: Great Bend, Kansas (border on zone 5/6, 20"-25" yr)

posted 12 years ago

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Though I have no experience yet, I have researched the same question. I am going to try the white rock breed as a dual purpose bird, judging from what this site and others say it is a good choice. They are white birds, but that doesn't bother me. Apparently, they also have a good tendency to sit. That's where I am at anyway.

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Nechda Chekanov

Posts: 66

Location: Zone 7a

posted 12 years ago

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Francis Oublieux wrote:Though I have no experience yet, I have researched the same question. I am going to try the white rock breed as a dual purpose bird, judging from what this site and others say it is a good choice. They are white birds, but that doesn't bother me. Apparently, they also have a good tendency to sit. That's where I am at anyway.

i have a white rock and several white rock mixes. they are good layers. the males get to 7.5 lbs, the females are smaller at 5.5
i mixed her with a light sussex and the offspring is larger. i plan to do it again for meat birds as the light sussex get to 9.5 lbs. i hope that the combo will give me a good 8.5 lb meat male on average while keeping the hens for laying. i have 24 in the bator right now!

Not afraid to get dirty.

mick mclaughlin

Posts: 200

Location: Augusta,Ks

posted 12 years ago

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I am looking at the white wynadottes.

I have used buff orpingtins before, mixed results on meat, great chickens otherwise.

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