18 1/2 week old Blue Laced Wyandotte

[MKetter]

These are the first birds I’ve ever had. They actually belong to my brother, but I’ve been raising them until he gets his coop built. He got a rooster out of a straight run purchase. He’s going to be dinner. At what age should he be processed? When I did a web search, the only answer I could find is 20 weeks (only one website I came across mentioned butchering blue laced wyandottes). Is that accurate? Thank you.

 

[Molpet]

Depends on how you want to cook

Article link to bramble wood in my signature

 

[Ridgerunner]

At what age should he be processed?

You can butcher him at any age you want. The question is how to cook him. Regardless of age they need to be aged past rigor mortis, allow rigor to pass or he may be so tough he is inedible.

At that age I would not fry or grill him. That leaves a lot of options. I typically butcher cockerels between 16 and 23 weeks of age and bake them. I cut into serving pieces and put that raw meat and bones in a baking dish with a good cover. I add chopped carrot, celery, onion, and garlic. Also herbs like oregano, thyme, and/or basil. Bake on 250 Fahrenheit for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Remove with a slotted spoon as the meat may fall off of the bone. Strain the liquid and you have excellent chicken broth.

There are lots of other ways to cook him, crock pot, pressure cooker, or stewed are popular.

Good luck!