Thrifty breeds?

Mostly curious - do any of you find that some breeds are more efficient on feed than others?

The reason I ask is because I had four young birds penned together - two olive eggers (Ameracauna x Marans) and two Coronation Sussex. I gave away the OEs, since they both ended up being roosters, and the Sussex remain.

I have noticed a dramatic drop in both feed and water consumption. Obviously, I expected a 50% drop, but it's closer to 80%. I didn't change the housing, the food or the water dishes. The Sussex continue to grow like mad.

Are the OEs just piggy, or are the Sussex especially thrifty? They do seem to love to be outdoors and attack kitchen scraps with admirable vigour. I quite like them.

I don't have your breeds but I feel some breeds are definitely 'easy keepers' while some are not. Cochin run through an incredible amount of food as they are growing, as do Cornish. When they reach full size though, their eating sure slows down. Silkies and Houdans however, eat far less as youngsters.

And some just waste a great deal. Turkeys are terrible wasters.

Maybe that's part of it - maybe my OEs were piggy in their habits, not so much in their actual consumption.

I find weather plays a big role also, if it is rainy and cold they eat more, but seem to drunk less, if hot it is the opposite.

Some breeds are piggies with feed and will just eat because it is there, others i have found will eat just what they need, but find it is usually more individuals rather than breeds that do this!!

Here's your answer


Grown Sussex are usually thrifty - Like crazy thrifty. Adolescent Sussex are pigs in general but they need to be in order to grow.

I have ~ 35-40 sussex at all stages the adolescent Sussex eat more than all the other Sussex's.

my ameracaunas are the "most thrifty" they dont eat much and they are wicked layers...