Butchering Size

[nhorrin]

I have 20 Buff Chanteclers that are 10 weeks old. My plan is to keep the hens for eggs and butcher the roosters at 20 weeks. I have a small coop and these birds are getting very large already. They also consume a lot of feed. Would the roosters be good for eating now or should I just cull them if I decide to get rid of them now? Thanks!

 

[Buster52]

They are likely pretty small at that age, but not too small to eat. I would never waste a good, healthy bird like that when it is so close to processing age (18 to 24 weeks). I would either stick it out another couple of months, sell them, or eat them now.

 

[Oregon Blues]

you pay premium prices for a nice little rock cornish game hen at the market. Your birds will not be too small to eat. Go ahead and butcher if you can't raise them any older, and plan for some nice barbecue.

You split those small size birds in half, marinate in a bit of lemon juice, fresh garlic, and olive oil, and slap them on the grill. You'll be happy with them.