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["Robert Walton" <waltonrp AT gmail.com>]

Has anyone kept Delaware chickens? I'm interested in whether they are
reliable layers.

I've got mutts right now, some Rhode Island, Marans, Buff Orpington
and White Rocks. The offspring are coming in. I've managed to weed out
the mistake breeds (Brown Leghorns, Blue Eggers), they are too small
for my taste when it comes time to dress them out. I'm fine with
mutts.

But... I am thinking about getting some Delawares this spring because
they were developed as a pre cornish cross broiler. I don't find much
information on line, just that they grow quickly and the white
feathers make dressing them easier. White rocks would be another
choice.

I've decided that cornish cross broilers may not be feasable anymore.
One issue is the cost of feed. While I'm fine with the mutt chickens,
while I have the opportunity to do so, getting some good bloodlines
here might be a good idea.

I have not bought chicken or eggs in 3 years and don't want to start
anytime soon. I still can raise broilers less than it would cost to
buy organic, free range chickens, and my home grown are cleaner, but
the cost is not justifying another year of them.

Rob - Va