[Emma]

If you buy a bunch of say 40 chicks have u got to get them vaccinated???

[shetlandpaul]

no. however if your getting them from a commercial hatchery then they would most likely have been done. check with your supplier.

[Emma]

I am still searching for a good supplier. Sorry 2 b a pain but what do you think are the most important questions to ask, just so i don't miss anything out. I want to get chicks who are going to lay but also once they reach a certain maturitie have them slaughtered for table birds.

[shetlandpaul]

then forget hybrids your wanting a utilty breed like the light sussex plenty of others will do the job. but don't expect big meat birds. im crossing lots with hylines to see what comes out. ive got cochins and brahmas with a number of cream legbars and a dorking looking after the girls. if you cross a couple of larger fowls you could produce your own version. plus you may get nice coloured eggs.

[Rosemary]

Spent layers will make rotten table birds - weedy and tough. If you want layers, get layers; if you want meat birds, get meat birds. IMHO

[doganjo]

My egg layers wander round the garden a lot of eh time - they get quite sinewy and muscly because of the exercise.  No use for eating.  Rosemary's right - horses for courses, meat birds for main courses