[valandgeorge]

Hi all,

I am trying to decide which breed to go for on my up-coming new small holding. Ideally I would like a dual purpose bird  that is cold hardy (we will be in the far north east of Scotland), produces lots of eggs for eating, but can also be used as a table bird? 

I would be grateful for ideas.

Thank you.

Val

[bigchicken]

Maran would be my choice good egg layers and kill out not to bad. Go for a utility strain not a show strain.

[Pedwardine]

The Omlet site is quite informative for different breeds and egg production etc. Hybrids tend to be hardier in my experience and there are lots of attractive ones out there. Can't go too wrong with the old Black Rock for withstanding British Weather.

[ZacB]

Sussex or Maran would be the best dual purpose breed IMO. Hybrids to scrawny for a meat bird. Ixworths another possibilty. Or just go the whole hog & get two flocks (you will in the end anyway )

[valandgeorge]

We were considering that having two flocks might be the easiest option 

[hughesy]

Rhode Island Reds , Light Sussex, Ixworth, Maran. A lot depends on whether you just want eggs and meat for your own consumption or if you intend selling.

[valandgeorge]

The meat and eggs are for us 

[in the hills]

Dont think you can beat hybrids if you want high egg production. Always found Black Rocks to be hardy and in my opinion quite attractive. Then you could also buy a good strain of meat birds.

If you want dual purpose  ..... RIRs and believe a cross of these to a Light Sussex makes a good meat bird. I dont keep a meat strain and only eat surplus cockerels.

Lots of  options and opinions on this one.

[kegs]

Barred Plymouth Rock are a good cold hardy dual purpose bird.  I've got Salmon Faverolles who are ultra friendly, delicious and good winter layers. 

[Castle Farm]

http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/castlefarmpoultry/Welsh%20Black/#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ24

For a weatherproof breed that lays and comes to the table a good weight you want these.

[suziequeue]

Gosh - they are fine looking birds

[Castle Farm]

They are as near to a Black version of an Ixworth in looks and size. 7th generation this year and the breed plan can be read on my facebook page.