[Skirza]

We are considering introducing some new breeds to our flock. At the moment we have French copper and Blue Marans but rather fancy some Buff Orpingtons and Light sussex. This is mainly for a heavier meat bird as the marans are a little lightweight we found. Now the problem...the OH fancies the Buffs and I want the Light Sussex...no problem, we can have some of each..but which breed for the Cockerel (our Splash Maran went to the great chicken coop in the sky back in the spring and we haven't replaced him). Out of the two breeds, which is going to give us heavier meat birds?

[Sylvia]

What about going for something like Indian Game? You'll get a good carcasse weight if crossed with Buffs or Light Sussex, which, on their own don't ammount to much.

[CameronS]

how many are you looking to introduce? what about two of each, i would get the LS cockerel because they seem to me anyway to be slightly more "sex craized" compared to other breeds.

like sylvia suggests you can cross breed with  sussex for a decent weighing (or egg laying) bird

[jaykay]

My Buff Sussex cockerel is the biggest thing I've seen for a long time - his pure-bred male offspring are certainly worth putting in the freezer at about 5 months. Crossing with the Marans would make them slightly smaller but not too much. I also have Wyandottes (laced ones, very pretty  ) and their cockerel is a big, meaty bird. I have, in fact, 4 cockerels, one for each of my breeds (see signature) and keep them pure. Just a thought 

[Skirza]

not sure about the indian game...it's a thought but I rather fancied at least one 'pure' breed hen from our hatches if you see what I mean. But thanks for your input, it's given me something to think about

[darkbrowneggs]

My strain of English Cuckoo Marans are fairly big birds and very good quality eating.  Quite quick growing for a traditional breed and can be reared on straight grain if they have good free range.

I have just weighed two cockerels both hatched late last year the larger one was hatched August and now weighs 4.5 kilos which is around around 9 1/2 lbs, the other hatched a couple of months later is 3.4 kls which is about 7 3/4 lbs, both have been running with hens and working well.

Surplus males can be killed at around 24-30 weeks and dress out at around 5-6 lbs. without expensive feeding, and produce a gourmet quality meat, white, fine grained and excellent flavour.

The hens  can make good eating being large themselves and are productive layers (for a traditional breed) of beautiful rich coloured eggs weighing around 70-80 grams (2 1/2oz to 2 3/4 oz) and even bigger

Check out photos of Cuckoo Marans and their eggs

All the best
Sue

[Skirza]

Hmm....we have copper and blue marans..are cuckoo marans bigger? Used to have cuckoos years ago but can't compare in my old mind the size 

[Castle Farm]

This is a Blue French Marans (Year old) that was bred by crossing one of my Welsh Black Cocks with Copper French Marans hen.

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This bird was bred from a Welsh Black X Welsh Black.

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There are very few pure breeds that are worth the amount of feed and time taken to get them to a decent tableweight.

There is only one way and thats crossing them to an Indian Game and back mating the pullets, but thats another story.

I have spent many years trying to develop a breed that is truely dual purpose and without the cross your wasteing your time.

Hybrid vigour puts the meat on the frame. Forget anything that was bred for feathers (Brahmas,Cochins and Orpingtons), as they make feathers at the expence of eggs and meat.

My web site is down at the moment thanks to some hacker with  :censored:to do in life but mess about.