4 week old roosters...best way to grow on for raising to age for eating?

[Autumn Mama]

Hi all

We have a small flock growing again and currently we are clear that we have two growing roosters. Evidence of the red comb and spurs growing in, and now the hormones are kicking in. Four years ago we had a flock for the first time and mixed the roosters in with the hens when they were old enough to go in the coop, and when the roosters were about 15 weeks we processed them. We allowed the mixing to go on too long I think, as the hens weren't enjoying the clumsy coming-of-agers and it was sometimes mayhem as the roos tried to establish dominance with each other.

So, now my 4 week old roosters are harrassing the 3-4 week old hens. They aren't quite fully feathered to be outside yet (I don't think?), and I would like to grow them on to process them at the right age. What would be the ideal age (they are Easter Eggers), and how do you manage the flock, house the roosters, separate them individually or not, etc

Any experience in this area would be great, we are hoping to do things better this time around with less stress and bother to the current hens (4 years old) and the new 3-4 week olds we have growing on. Thanks!

 

[Autumn Mama]

would this be better posted in"raising chicks?"


i'm wondering too, about whether they will be happy in their own separate cages, outdoors, with their own food and water. thoughts anyone, or been there done that experience to share? thanks.

 

[naillikwj82]

If the cockerals are raised as a group away from any hens the fighting should be less, but not eliminated completely. They will still have a pecking order, they will still start to crow. The other alternative that will eliminate the fighting, the noise, and improve size and texture of the cockerals is to caponize them. There are numerous BYC threads on this topic, give them a view, and keep an open mind.

 

[Autumn Mama]

thanks for your response...i don't think i will be getting that technical, for caponizing. we only have the two and i am seeking ease in the process. in our situation with our farm space set up, we will need to keep the chickens closer together, so they are going to know the hens are about, as well as our BLRW rooster. but in separate housing with time to free range individually, i'm anticipating it should work.

 

[galanie]

I've heard people say often that if you put all the roosters together with no hens, they don't fight much since there's no hens to fight over. That's what I'd do, keep them away from the youngsters. It can't be good for them to be harassed by the teens.

 

[darin367]

raise them seperate if your looking to keep the hens from harassment...... they'll be fine seperate.... 15 weeks is a good age for processing..... sounds like your on the right track to me.....

 

[Autumn Mama]

so far we have set up a simple moveable chicken tractor, with two separate sections that we cna move every couple of days. i would like them raised on pasture and that will work i think. (we eat pastured meat primarily) they will have area to move and can be brought right out too, to really stretch and flap. i'm hoping this works!

what should i offer for the amount/type of grain i supplement? a low protein feed? thanks again!!

 

[galanie]

High protien grows them out quicker, always. Let them have all they'll stuff down!

 

[Autumn Mama]

thanks everyone, i think we are off and growing