I started with CX so in the beginning it wasn't hard to send them to the butcher because they become so nasty looking as they get older, at least mine did, no feathers underneath, and icky butts When I got my first 6 straight run barred rocks, one died almost immediately and of the other 5 they turned out to be one pullet so I had 3 roos to get rid of. That time my FIL still had birds and took one, the others had to go. But DH dealt with it so I didn't really have to think about it. The next year I ordered my first 25 hatchery chicks also straight run, lots of cockerels. They all went to the butcher, I only kept the hens to go with Mr and Mrs Chicken. (Those first 2 BRs were the only chickens I've EVER named, if you consider that a name). within a couple of years Mrs Chicken went to the butcher as she stopped laying, as did a bunch of the newer hens because I just had too many. Even Mr Chicken went because he decided he wanted to beat up on the Buckeye roo I really liked (he went to a fox last year!!! 
along with a few of my hens.)
Late last summer I got rid of all the chickens because I got so frustrated with them not laying. They just up and stopped. Couldn't figure out why. So off they went. I must say it was such an easy winter having to take care of only 5 guineas and 2 ducks! And SO much cheaper feed-wise!
I guess my point is don't name your birds, certainly not the ones you're going to eat, don't treat them like pets bringing them goodies, etc. I don't know if it helped me that I have hunted in the past, deer and squirrel and have gutted them myself. I do like knowing how to feed myself if I had to. I have yet to kill my own chicken, the Amish have a nice little business doing that here so I don't have to, but I figure I could if I needed to, especially if it isn't named. However, my DH, fortunately has no problem butchering them himself he he needs to, then he gives them to me for cleaning.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
taprock 
It has taken me two years, but I am taking in my first 3 roosters to be butchered on Wednesday! I however know I can't do the butchering and DH says they are mine so it's up to me.
I've only been part of this the Michigan group for a year. I have always appreciated the honesty and different opinions. I've seen some people get blasted but usually on subjects that have been gone over repeatedly and they are new and have no clue, I was there myself before. That said some people need a reality check and to realize raising chickens or animals in general isn't just fuzzy sweet. A harsh answer is nothing compared to being prepared to bury feet and wings, clean up the carnage after a neighbors dog, care for sick animals who came from a breeder and worse things like thinking of what Chicken Grandma and Farmerboy had to do. I guess for me I'd rather deal with a harsh answer than blunder ignorantly into doing something to hurt my flock. Chickens aren't for the faint of heart.
