[twizzel]

I've got 30 odd ex commercial free range layers, they are Columbian Black Tails. As expected they lay really well. They are running with 3 big Maran cockerals that were hatched last year and are working. I'm thinking of hatching a few out in the incubator, would it be worth doing? OH seems to think they would hopefully make quite a good cross combining the good laying with the slightly heavier meat bird, but thought I'd ask you all first and see what you thought.

[Fowlman]

Should make a decent cross, try it what you got to lose. Surplus may even be ok for the table.

[twizzel]

That's what I was thinking, it's like putting a beef bull to a dairy cow (OH is a farmer!). I'll give it a go in a couple of weeks when the incubator is free again 

[Fowlman]

I have crossed hybrids with various pure breeds over the years and each one has turned out useful in varying degrees. It may not turn out your perfect chicken but they all lay eggs.