- Apr 24, 2013
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I have a 3 week old chick and can not figure out if it is a rooster or not. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
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MontanaDolphin, at what age do you cull your cockerals for the dinner table? I've got my first batch of 12 chicks which I got straight-run from the farmer's market. They're 3 1/2 weeks old now and various breeds but all duel purpose. I'm trying to be a true farmer and eat those I can't keep, which odds are is going to be about 5 cockerals, give or take. Around what age will you cull yours?
Thanks,
Guppy
Between 18-20 weeks of age. That's what I've read is the best time...the meat is perfect at that age...not too tough. I haven't done it yet...ever...so it's going to be a new experience for me. But like you, I am trying to be a true farmer as well...but for reasons probably different from yours. Regardless, to the dinner table my extra cockerels will go.
One thing I want to mention from my research...cockerels don't have lots of breast meat like the girls, and even the girls don't really have the abundance of breast meat like you get from the store. Just wanted to tell you that cuz when it comes time to cull and pluck and dress, our cockerels are gonna look really skinny LOL.