This heritage broiler is a slow to moderate grower compared to other chicken breeds like the Cornish Cross or Red Bro Yield. However, they offer excellent meat yield and feed conversion rates. These heavy-bodied broilers offer great tasting meat.
Jackie Chickens: Slow-Growing Heritage Breed
The Jackie is not the fastest growing broiler chicken. However, this alternative meat bird still offers great benefits for farmers and homesteaders. The longer grow-out period produces tender, flavorful meat that is ideal for specialty markets.
Hardy, cold-tolerant, and excellent foragers, the Jackie is suitable as a pasture-raised chicken. They also thrive in free-range environments. We recommend this breed for growers that plan to raise their birds in outdoor settings.
Before placing your birds on pasture, keep your baby chicks in the brooder space for at least three to four weeks. They should be fully-feathered and ready to live outdoors full-time. Consider the local climate conditions and the time of year before putting your chickens on pasture.
Jackie chickens are heavy-bodied birds with a long keel bone and reddish brown feathers. Some of their feathers may have black tips. Jackie chickens have yellow beaks, feet, and shanks. This striking bird is one of our most beautiful meat birds for sale.
The Jackie has an excellent feed conversion rate. Growers can expect 2.72 to 3.12 between 11 to 13 weeks. With optimal care, this alternative broiler can reach a live weight of 4.7 to 5.5 lbs at the age of 11 to 13 weeks. Available as males only.
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