Opinions wanted

[trudyg]

I want a flock for eggs and meat. I already had heavies, so I got some bantams (silkies) to be brooders and then a fox got all but 2 of the heavies. So, now, the only males I have are bantams (7 of them), 5 bantam pullets and 2 big hens. Can a bantam cock breed a full-size hen? One is pretty big, the other not quite so large, so maybe if I keep the largest cockerel? Also, they have feathered feet, which I didn't realize means they need special foot care and tend to get scaly mites, so I'm not too enthused about them anymore. So, will I ever realize meat birds from this mix, do you think? Eggs, probably, and I'm good with small ones, but now I hear they aren't great layers since they stop to go broody. I didn't do my homework, obviously. I'm okay with keeping the pullets and one cockerel, if one shows he's able to manage a full size hen. If not, then I may just get another order of dual purpose and cross my fingers I get a good roo. Any thoughts? And, yes, I would keep the bantam pullets apart from the larger roo, if that is what I do.

 

[Folly's place]

I'd get more chicks, those Silkie roosters won't produce the birds you want, crossing with standard hens. Have a breeding group of Silkies, if you want, and then standard rooster(s) for your big birds. And research breed types before ordering more!
And make sure your birds are safe first!

 

[fluffycrow]

Could/would the silkie male breed an LF female? Yes. But according to what you're saying, this won't produce the birds you desire. I agree with FP, get a dual purpose breed that you've researched into, knowing that it fits your needs

 

[Folly's place]

Henderson's breed chart is a good place to look, and the websites of some of the big hatcheries. Cackle, MurrayMcMurray, the Livestock Conservancy.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Also FeatherSite. So many choices birds!
Mary