Butchering leghorns

[epona4]

Is it worth it?

This thanksgiving we got some free leghorn chicks. 2 of them are roos and are getting a bit aggressive.

Since leghorns weren't really a breed I was interested in we're thinking of butchering the roos.

What age would be a good time to do this? I know there scrawny and won't be good for much other than soup...was wondering if it's worth the bother?

 

[Brunty_Farms]

If you want to make a good chicken noodle soup stock than yeah it's worth it.

But if your wanting a good roasting chicken than no it's not.

If they are free and already full grown than yes they are worth it, if you have to raise them from chicks.... no it's not.

Leghorns should be ready about 18 weeks.

 

[Southerngirl]

I ordered 25 leghorn roos from McMurray this past year. After raising and comparing them to the broilers I decided that many were not worth my time. I sold some for breeding and the rest to an elderly couple who put them in the freezer. They would make a good pot of dumplings I am sure !!!!!

 

[epona4]

Thanks!

They were free and they're about 10-11 weeks old now. We'll give them a few more weeks then we'll see about butchering them. I do know that i'm not going to want the roos around for too much longer.

Hoping the girls will be productive layers...if not, we'll do them as well.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

The layers will definately be worth it. They are the queen of egg laying.

Good luck.