Barred rocks as a meat bird ?

[victor1800]

We have a small flock 10 of home raised barred rocks and 7 are roosters all of which are about 7 months old we have to lower the amount of roosters and we can't find anyone who wants them. Are they to old to be decent table food birds, should we stop feeding layer food? I f they get any older will the meat get tougher to eat? This is are first time thinking about eating fresh home raised birds.

 

[Illia]

They're still good to eat, any older and yes they're a bit tough and require some stewing or a crockpot or tenderizing.

Barred Rocks were originally meant to be a dual purpose bird, BIG breed, however most of them now a days are bred for egg laying production, so you won't get very much meat off of them but enough to eat.

 

[victor1800]

Thats what I was thinking, they seem like there is just not a lot meat.But still we are gonna have meal, do 2 birds at once.

 

[JerBear]

I have about 30 rocks and another 25 in the brooder. They dont have allot of meat, but enough to make a good soup or enchladas! And they do get big. But a good salt water soak and a stew pot makes them pretty good eats.

Jerry

 

[Keara]

the roos are good size for eating, but the hens are soooo tiny!

 

[Oregon Blues]

Go ahead and butcher them. The flavor will be wonderful.

Cook low and slow. They will make excellent shredded chicken for burritos or tacos. Or shredded chicken with barbecue sauce for sandwiches. Or chicken and dumplings. Or crock pot chicken. Or soup.

 

[Noymira]

Quote:
x2!

I have a Barred Rock cockerel who has now caught up in size with my Black Copper Marans cockerel, and they are both BIG boys.

I've been contemplating the same thing about the Barred Rock, since he's a bit rough on some of our hens, and he's been giving me the eyeball lately. He could just be trying to get some attention from me like some of the hens, but I have a feeling that is not the case... He does not have the qualities I'm seeing and liking in my BCM and I'm not sure I want to keep both, although they get along well together.

 

[blue lotus]

We recently butchered two Barred Rock roosters at about 6-7 months old. They weren't tough at all, and were quite tasty after being roasted in the oven.

Ours had a decent amount of meat, actually more than some whole chickens I have seen in regular grocery stores.

 

[KandiandJerry]

I'm thinking Chicken and Dressing.....YUM YUM!!!!