Dual purpose- but where to buy them?

[Rynoranch]

I’m in northern CA and I am trying to obtain the goal of having a dual purpose flock for my homestead. I’ve raised egg layers for a long time and Cornish cross for a few years. I’ve had a great experience with the Cornish Cross (not many losses, no nasty injuries, etc) but I want to move away from that. All I’ve heard about dual purpose birds from hatcheries is how they are subpar and private breeders are the way to go. So, I’m reaching out to find a private breeder (hopefully in my neck of the woods) that can provide me with the genetics I need for a successful flock. I’m also open to suggestions from people who have a dual purpose flock that use their birds for both and have bought their birds from a major hatchery. A hatchery I was looking at was Strombergs (woodland, CA- close to 2 hrs from me) but have no idea about their quality for a dual purpose bird.
The breeds I’m interested in are:
•austrlorps
•dominques
•Wyandottes

Thanks everyone!

 

[AGeese]

I don't have those breeds, but I've been satisfied with the dual purpose birds I have just for laying. They're not high production, but consistent during the spring and early summer.

Dual purpose in my mind is more than just meat and eggs. It's really multi-purpose because I free range them. They eat foliage destroying pests, warn of snakes, fertilize the ground, and scratch out weedy areas.

While I'd recommend Meyer Hatchery, I'm not sure it should be your first choice considering the USPS delays, and they being out in Ohio.

 

[Rynoranch]

I don't have those breeds, but I've been satisfied with the dual purpose birds I have just for laying. They're not high production, but consistent during the spring and early summer.

Dual purpose in my mind is more than just meat and eggs. It's really multi-purpose because I free range them. They eat foliage destroying pests, warn of snakes, fertilize the ground, and scratch out weedy areas.

While I'd recommend Meyer Hatchery, I'm not sure it should be your first choice considering the USPS delays, and they being out in Ohio.

What breeds do you have?

I’ve been looking at New Hampshire Reds. I’m pretty set on black australorps. I have one now that’s two years old and it’s we can always count on an egg from her.

That’s a great point. Mine will be free ranging as well and are so helpful.

I’ve been doing my vast research for local options, but I have had no luck.

 

[igorsMistress]

Any chicken can be dual purpose, you don’t need a special breed. Just don’t expect the huge breasts and such that you get from meat birds.

 

[AGeese]

What breeds do you have?

I’ve been looking at New Hampshire Reds. I’m pretty set on black australorps. I have one now that’s two years old and it’s we can always count on an egg from her.

That’s a great point. Mine will be free ranging as well and are so helpful.

I’ve been doing my vast research for local options, but I have had no luck.

You have some good breeds listed. Heritage breeds will last longer than the hybrids if from good stock, and shouldn't as susceptible to genetic defects, pretty much the same as with breeding dogs. I have Buckeye, Maran, Jersey Giant, and Liege Fighters.

View album 7429707
You might try your state threads to see if anyone knows or is a breeder here on BYC: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/find-your-states-or-your-countrys-thread.270925/

 

[Rynoranch]

Any chicken can be dual purpose, you don’t need a special breed. Just don’t expect the huge breasts and such that you get from meat birds.

There are definitely some that are better than others. I don’t expect them to have huge breasts, but there will be ones that’s have a higher carcass yield.

 

[Love Donkeys]

I’m in northern CA and I am trying to obtain the goal of having a dual purpose flock for my homestead. I’ve raised egg layers for a long time and Cornish cross for a few years. I’ve had a great experience with the Cornish Cross (not many losses, no nasty injuries, etc) but I want to move away from that. All I’ve heard about dual purpose birds from hatcheries is how they are subpar and private breeders are the way to go. So, I’m reaching out to find a private breeder (hopefully in my neck of the woods) that can provide me with the genetics I need for a successful flock. I’m also open to suggestions from people who have a dual purpose flock that use their birds for both and have bought their birds from a major hatchery. A hatchery I was looking at was Strombergs (woodland, CA- close to 2 hrs from me) but have no idea about their quality for a dual purpose bird.
The breeds I’m interested in are:
•austrlorps
•dominques
•Wyandottes

Thanks everyone!

There are other dual breeds you may like to consider.

We have have a flock of 46 Speckled Sussex. (16 pullets, 28 hens, 2 roosters) They are a heritage dual purpose breed with white meat. The hens will start laying around 18 weeks and will give you about 5 large light brown eggs a week. The hens will weigh 7 pounds and the roosters will be around 9 pounds. I love them because they are friendly and gentle.

The hatchery I buy chicks from is Hoover's Hatchery. The hatchery is located in Iowa.

 

[Pgw]

I’m in northern CA and I am trying to obtain the goal of having a dual purpose flock for my homestead. I’ve raised egg layers for a long time and Cornish cross for a few years. I’ve had a great experience with the Cornish Cross (not many losses, no nasty injuries, etc) but I want to move away from that. All I’ve heard about dual purpose birds from hatcheries is how they are subpar and private breeders are the way to go. So, I’m reaching out to find a private breeder (hopefully in my neck of the woods) that can provide me with the genetics I need for a successful flock. I’m also open to suggestions from people who have a dual purpose flock that use their birds for both and have bought their birds from a major hatchery. A hatchery I was looking at was Strombergs (woodland, CA- close to 2 hrs from me) but have no idea about their quality for a dual purpose bird.
The breeds I’m interested in are:
•austrlorps
•dominques
•Wyandottes

Thanks everyone!

Do you know anything about Valley Hatchery LLC in CA?

 

[Rynoranch]

Do you know anything about Valley Hatchery LLC in CA?

No I do not. I looked at them a while back. I have been looking at the NPIP website for hatcheries near me. It’s been super helpful if you know the code of the breed you are looking for, but it is super time consuming. Think I might just order from cackle, Mcmurray, and Dunlap.

 

[StacyT]

I live in Central Valley & I order from Meyers. It usually takes 2 days for the chicks to arrive. They have a few breeds that would work for you. I’ve ordered both wyandottes & dominuqes from Meyers.