When to get rid of cockerels

LLCoyote · Jul 5, 2015

I have three cockerels that I need to get rid of, two chocolate orpingtons and a lavender orpington. I was hoping, since the breeds aren't common, I could find someone willing to take them for free and not have to go through the heartache of finding someone to butcher them (I positively can't do it myself, even though I don't think it is wrong).

I know they won't really start fighting/breeding like roosters until 4-6 months (or so I was told) but for two of them at least there is 0 doubt they are roos, and there is little doubt my lavender orp is a roo. They are only about 6 weeks for the chocolates and 5 for the lavender, so they aren't as pretty as they will be when they're 2 or three months old. Should I wait until they're older to post them (I was going to try here and craigslist) or should I post them now and see if anyone will take them?

Ol Grey Mare · Jul 5, 2015

The sooner you start the more time you allow yourself and your birds to have the situation work out in a positive way that you are hoping for

donrae · Jul 5, 2015

I'd post them as soon as you know gender. Lots of folks like to raise up their own birds, so are more willing to take younger males. I've seen folks on my local CL pull pics from Feathersite or similar of a mature bird of the breed they're selling, clearly stating it's not the bird for sale but this is how your bird will grow out.

Dramaqueen21888 · Jul 6, 2015

If you know for sure any are roosters I would say start the process. It's a lot harder as they get older to get rid of them. I'm in the same boat but my 3 are 4 month