Pros: Unbeatable ability to thrive on poor feeding and low density.
Cons: Not any, but white rocks are a bit better.
Utility strains can thrive in low-density farm rations and in poor feeding better than any other breed or commercial hybrid. The only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 is that Plymouth Rocks are more balanced, Mediterraneands forage best and NN are more disease resistant.
Cons: Hy-line browns eat less and lay more.
Heritage breeds perform better in poor feeding and farm density rations.
They need too much balance in their feeding.
Usually sold debeaked.
Pros: I will only talk about the old heritage strains of white rocks.
They thrive on pasture, utilizing everything they eat. They can thrive on feed restriction methods. They produce large to jumbo eggs of pinkish, terracotta, peach brown color and wonderful glossy shells. They have a wonderful golden yellow skin. They produce high density meat even when eating only 50 grams of a 14% protein organic layer feed a day. They also grow with a growth rate of a hybrid layer, very fast, and without having any problems due to the fast growth. Also, do not forget the advantages of butchering a white feathered chicken. Pin feathers won't be easily seen. They are trustworthy broody hens when aged.
Cons: None.
The most balanced old type heritage breed is by far the white Plymouth rock.
Pros: Great layers.
Big glossy brown eggs.
Great feed to egg conversion ratio.
Good response to low-density feed
Cold hardy.
Heat tolerant.
Calm.
Adores humans a lot.
Cons: The feather color wasn't appropriate for showing and exhibition.
Also, my strain was bred for egg production and not for a dual purpose.
Very aggressive to other chickens, not only to newcomers.
Good forager, but not as good as Mediterranean Breeds.