Delaware Broiler

Exceeded Expectations!2022 I tested McMurray's Delaware Broilers, ordering several small batches to gauge consistency. I processed at 13-14 wks each batch and put in the freezer. Then at 16 weeks culled two roosters just starting to crow, processed the two and aged for 3 days in refrigerator. I was delighted how easy the birds processed in the plucker - NO pin feathers. I decided to airfry half carcass from the largest (6lb dressed around 8.25lb live wt). The breast was maybe 70% of commercial broilers but still large - thick and long. Thinking he would be tough/chewy and maybe even a little less sweet because of raging hormones. I reasoned the dogs wouldn't mind if I didn't like the bird. A little chewy - not much just different texture from Cornish Rock. Meat was moist and incredibly flavorful. I was very happy with the taste. A couple days later I cut up the other rooster into qtrs (5lb dressed - about 7.5 live wt) That rooster had less breast meat but legs and thighs were ample. I now know how to cull layer types as young birds. Still that rooster had the same moist meat, legs were a little darker than the first but just as sweet tasting. Again the meat was a little chewy about what you'd expect from a 16wk cockerel. I've decided to get serious about establishing a foundation flock and ordered 25 more for late March. I'm pleased with the overall Delaware broilers. They are fast feathering, quick development and large. I raised them like Cornish Rock - confinement and 22% Meatbird crumble. I'll now plan processing 12-14 weeks and expect 4-4.25lb finish weights. I'm real happy with this bird.

Unclear advertising.There are multiple locations where it states this will breed true and that these are heritage delawares. In the Q&A section specifically it states the delaware broiler is a heritage breed. After further research I don't believe this to be true. This is a likely a cross between a delaware and something else to get the supposed larger size. You can research it yourself with a simple search. Many people state they will not retain the delaware colors. This is likely something like the old indian river chicken, which is simply a delaware crossed with a new hampshire. We wanted these birds to add to our delaware blood line but it appears they will not be pure delaware. On top of that we lost around 30% of what we ordered of this specific bird in under 48 hours. To make things even more interesting I've left a message with this hatchery over a week ago and have not gotten a response. We've raised a lot of chicks and this is our worst experience yet.