The Chicks
We have specialised in SASSO table birds since 2000, because we found their taste, flavour and ease of rearing to be second to none. Their slow growth allows the birds to have a long and healthy life and to give you a bird that tastes as good as it looks.
We started with the T431A, a good slow growing bird, but for 2009 we have added a second strain to our flock. Our new X431A is a good looking red bird with yellow shanks and skin, superb flavour and slightly faster growth. It is ideal for producers whose customers require heavier birds and those who do not have to meet the 84 day lifespan regulations for organic production.
T431A - These birds will reach approximately 2.5 kg in 84 days. They are beautiful birds that look like a typical farmyard chicken. They are suitable for organic systems which require the birds to have a minimum lifespan of 84 days. These are slow growing birds which will reach 2.5kg table weight without developing leg problems as they grow. These chicks are also suitable for small-scale home production as they will provide a range of weights over a longer time. This means that is not necessary for the birds to be slaughtered all at once. The finished bird has yellow skin and yellow shanks. This makes the finished bird look very appealing and the birds are adored by farmers market customers.
X431A These are heavier birds reaching approximately 3.5kg in 84 days. These are slower growing than a supermarket, Ross / Cobb type bird but will produce a bigger ‘celebration ‘bird in the same amount of time as the T431A takes to produce a family roaster. They have yellow skin and legs, are suberb tasting and will not go off their legs. They are perfect as an alternative to turkey at Christmas and Easter.
Sassos for Home Production - We would recommend a mixture of the two strains to provide the most variety of sizes. This will enable you to produce larger birds for roasting, smaller birds for mid week roasters, and others for jointing and boning out to produce chicken breast meat. The two strains will live together in the same housing and have the same feed and heat requirements.
