We tried Jersey Giants one year. We had a lot of genetic problems (cross bill, leg problems) and they took 24 weeks to mature, so the feed/meat ratio was very poor.

We tried Sussex one year, but they didn't lay as well and the meat conversion wasn't as good as others we've tried. Also the white coloring made them a predator magnet.

We also raise dual purpose birds for eggs and meat. In fact today, we are putting the 90 chicks out on pasture as they are 5 weeks and feathered out. This year they are Barred Rocks and Australorps.

We very briefly considered using PVC for the hoops to our pasture coop, but as we are a wind tunnel here, it was quickly discarded.