At what age should cockerels be pulled from population?

[AverellFarms]

Hello! It’s been 8 weeks since I had that 18/18 egg hatch. I rehomed all but 6 the first week because I didn’t have the capacity for that many chicks. Unfortunately at least 4/6 that I kept are cockerels. Also unfortunately, I am so attached to all of them! I know cockerel mature more quickly than pullets, so please tell me by what age these sweet boys need to be rehomed. I have two Legbar pullets who are 5 weeks old but SO much smaller, there’s no way I can add them to the flock at this age, so my plan was to wait 5-6 more weeks, remove the roosters, and add the youngsters to the remaining 2 pullets coop/pen at the same time (they are pen adjacent during the day right now). Can I keep everything status quo for 5-6 more weeks or do I need to take the boys to their new home soon?

 

[Tonyroo]

Cockerels usually don't act up till around 3 months. So that's your time frame to remove them from your flock. You could let them mature and cull them for your freezer.

 

[sourland]

I'd keep them as long as you can - until they start causing problems. Have a 'Plan B' in mind and institute it when needed.

 

[AverellFarms]

Cockerels usually don't act up till around 3 months. So that's your time frame to remove them from your flock. You could let them mature and cull them for your freezer.

Thank you, sounds like just the right amount of time.

 

[AverellFarms]

I'd keep them as long as you can - until they start causing problems. Have a 'Plan B' in mind and institute it when needed.

I definitely am and do. Knowing they will have a great home when they’re ready brings me great peace of mind.