Hope this is the right place to ask my question. The thread is so big that I haven't read through all the past posts.
I'm fairly new to chickens (keeping a year) and had our first two broody hatches. The first were hybrids and we killed the cockerels. We got back 1.4 and 1.7kg after gutting and was fairly happy with that. The second brood we got white leghorns as I read they were good utility birds. They are still running about (inside) at 15 weeks but they are tiny in comparison.
I want to make the best use of our broodies next year. Is there a better breed I can go for that would give me layers from the girls and meat from the boys? Or do I need to do a layers hatch and eaters hatch?
Dans
Hi Dans and welcome to the obsession that is meat bird and utility crosses

Firstly, sorry to tell you this but White Leghorns are not utility birds, you will get no meat from them that's worth while, what you will get is loads of large white eggs

I used to breed them and they are a very good choice for a laying breed.
As for birds worthy of breeding for meat and eggs a lot is down to personal preference, as Ryan said above a good cross is Indian Game x Light Sussex, Dorking are also good, but there are so many duel purpose breeds which no longer carry much breast meat and only grow large frames, most do better crossed with Indian Game as they have a double breast which carry a lot of meat.
Then you get your free ranging hybrids which grow slower and stronger than broilers and also lay well, but can they be bred from?
I will tell you in a few months ha.
what are you looking for in a Meat bird?
What size bird do you want on your table and how quickly you want it table ready.
remember time = feed = £££
If you get time try to read through this thread, might get some ideas.
Look forward to hearing about your plans.