The War Kitchen

Cheese Croquettes from Kansas Farmer 1914    

First decide the purpose of the flock. Easter Eggers kept mainly for the blue eggs they lay. Since I am focusing on food production, utility or production breed are generally classified as Layers, Broilers or Dual Purpose.  D’Uccle Bantams small ornamental breed, not good for meat but they do lay small eggs. If you just want fresh eggs than Laying breeds are your best choice. Keep in mind all Chicken breeds lay eggs but some lay more, some lay less and the size of the egg varies based on breed and how well the breed has been selected for egg laying. Hens do not need a rooster to lay eggs. Cochins a good sized Dual Purpose breed Broilers or Meat Birds are breeds developed for meat. Modern strains grow fast, but many older breeds where developed to reach their slaughter weights at different times. For instance a Jersey Giant will take a very long time to mature compared to a Kosher King or CornishX. Transylvanian Naked Necks an older breed developed primarily for meat.   Dual Purpose chi

One aspect of moving toward a more self sufficient house is being able to grow your own food, even in suburban and urban environments. Consider Fruit Trees instead of ornamental landscaping trees. Put in a small garden, or even grow a few things in pots. Start small do not overwhelm yourself. Consider keeping chickens, quail, pigeons, or rabbits. It is possible to buy a lamb, pig, goat or calf that a farmer raises up to slaughter weight. Sometimes multiple families purchase the large livestock together and then after slaughter split it up.