16 weeks for broad breasted. Waiting longer = bigger carcass. Personally I don't want a 40 lb. carcass to deal with. Hens can go longer especially if their nutrition levels are being met.@R2elk 16wks is optimal harvesting time right? But would it matter, as long as animal is doing ok, to wait till 20wks or a bit longer? Is there a downside to waiting?