Best Meat Bird for Free-Ranging?

[Eggcellence]

Im new to raising meat birds and looking for a breed that can free-range well with my layers or be penned separately but still grow at a decent rate.

I want something thats active, healthy, and able to forageunlike Cornish Cross, which require constant care and cleanup. Ideally, the breed would reach a good butcher weight in a reasonable time (not expecting broiler speed but dont want to wait over a year).

Since my layers thrive on free-ranging with minimal feed costs, Id love a meat bird that can do the same without breaking the bank on feed.

Is there a breed that fits this, or am I asking for too much? Thanks for any advice!

[BroodyBella]

Im new to raising meat birds and looking for a breed that can free-range well with my layers or be penned separately but still grow at a decent rate.

I want something thats active, healthy, and able to forageunlike Cornish Cross, which require constant care and cleanup. Ideally, the breed would reach a good butcher weight in a reasonable time (not expecting broiler speed but dont want to wait over a year).

Since my layers thrive on free-ranging with minimal feed costs, Id love a meat bird that can do the same without breaking the bank on feed.

Is there a breed that fits this, or am I asking for too much? Thanks for any advice!

Dual-purpose breeds like Australorps or Orpingtons grow slower but are good for both eggs and meat. Not as fast as broilers, but much better for free-ranging.

[RoosterRanger]

If fast growth isn't your top priority, dual-purpose breeds like Delawares or New Hampshire Reds could work. They're good foragers and grow out in 16-20 weeks. If you want something quicker but still hardy, Red Rangers or Kosher Kings are great choices. They take about 9-12 weeks and are much more self-sufficient than Cornish Cross. Since your layers do well on free range, choosing a breed that can supplement its diet with forage will save you money on feed.

[DownyDreamkeeper]

Since your layers thrive on free-ranging, you might want to try a slower-growing broiler like Red Rangers or Kosher Kings. These breeds grow faster than traditional dual-purpose birds but aren't as fragile as Cornish Cross. They're much better at foraging, which reduces feed costs. While they won't reach supermarket broiler size in six weeks, they still finish in a reasonable 10-12 weeks. If you're looking for a true dual-purpose breed, Delawares or New Hampshire Reds are great choices, though they take longer to mature.

[FeatheredPhilosopher]

Bresse chickens are a solid choice! They free-range well, grow decently fast, and have amazing meat quality. They do need good forage and extra care, though.

[FeatheredTraveler]

Jersey Giants take longer to grow but get huge. If you're patient, they make great meat birds while thriving on free range.

[RoosterRambler]

Im new to raising meat birds and looking for a breed that can free-range well with my layers or be penned separately but still grow at a decent rate.

I want something thats active, healthy, and able to forageunlike Cornish Cross, which require constant care and cleanup. Ideally, the breed would reach a good butcher weight in a reasonable time (not expecting broiler speed but dont want to wait over a year).

Since my layers thrive on free-ranging with minimal feed costs, Id love a meat bird that can do the same without breaking the bank on feed.

Is there a breed that fits this, or am I asking for too much? Thanks for any advice!

If you want to minimize feed costs, pick a breed that thrives on pasture! Red Rangers or Kosher Kings are great foragers and don't require constant cleaning like broilers.

[IreneIncubator]

If you don't mind a longer grow-out time, heritage breeds like Delawares or Orpingtons work well. They won't grow as fast but can free-range effectively.

[CluckyMcNugget]

Red Rangers or Freedom Rangers are great for free-ranging. They grow faster than heritage breeds but are much more active and hardy than Cornish Cross.