[Bodger]

I've kept them and they're pretty good layers and pretty good for eating but without being brilliant at either. Having said that, I don't think that there's a utility breed that is.

[Stereo]

More meat than a copper marans?

[Bodger]

Going by my experience of fattening Marans, I'd say that they are a huge improvement.

[hughesy]

I've found Ixworths were better for eating than Sussex, RIR, Marans, and Jersey Giants. The latter being the biggest dissapointment. However our Light Sussex, and particularly our RIR, beat them hands down for egg quantities. I've decided to concentrate on just one breed from next year and there's been no trouble deciding which it's to be. I want to keep pure bred birds and I want good laying performance with excellent fertility for breeding. Not particularly bothered about eating them.Having tried many, I'm going with Rhode Island Reds.

[Fowlman]

Although i'm a big fan of the Ixworth i think Hughesy if you can find a good utilty strain of the RIR they are great. I only keep a few bantam RIR now just for my own eggs but wouldn't mind some more L/F. Once all the hybrids i got retire i shall consider getting some.

[hughesy]

Fowlman the Rhodies I've got are a good bit better than any of the other breeds I've kept over the last few years. I plan to breed them selectively to try and increase their laying abilities overall. As I said I'm not too bothered about meat but they do make a reasonable dinner.

[Fowlman]

Wouldn't mind some hatching eggs when you get going Hughesy 

[hughesy]

Wouldn't mind some hatching eggs when you get going Hughesy 

No probs I'll post on here when I've got some available.

[Fowlman]

Cheers 

[funkyfish]

If your on facebook there is a breeders group- trying to preserve the breed correct to the breed standard and dual purpous.

[Bodger]

Here's an interesting article about Ixworths for you to have a look at.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2013/apr/18/chickens-ixworth-dual-purpose