Best age to process BO cockerels?

[PatS]

A month ago all eight of our broody Buff Orpinton's eggs hatched out. Looking at them it is possible that we have five males, at least four of whom will be dinner sometime in the future.

What is the best age to process BOs? Last year we ate a five month old and he was delicious, but I don't know if he was a little too young or just right.

Also, our year old roo is getting feisty and has come after me several times. Now we have some possible replacements on the way, I'm thinking about sending him off to camp. How do you cook a year old rooster?

Thanks!

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I like to eat my Orpingtons and Orp crosses at about 5 months old - give or take a week. Usually cause that is when I start to loose my patience with them - they are starting to get all manly and harass the pullets/hens.

Here is a great article about homegrown, backyard birds (not cornish crosses), eating them and cooking. www.albc-usa.org/documents/cookingwheritagechicken.pdf

I also let mine age in the fridge for up to a week - no problems.

 

[PatS]

Wow, what an excellent article! Thank you very much.