Dual purpose time line

[flakey chick]

I know that the cornish Xs mature so fast that you don't really have to worry about them crowing, but I was wondering about dual purpose birds. If I got straight run of NewHampshire Reds (or similar) would they reach processing weight before they found their full crow voice?

 

[Cara]

No, we had 10 RIRs that were sent as extras, and they didn't reach a good size until 16-18 weeks. They were crowing, mating and fighting by that stage :|

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

If you keep the boys seperate from any girls, and preferably not even fence to fence with any you will have less fuss and more tender meat. They don't learn to fight or crow as much if they don't have anyone to show off for. But for sure you will still have some of that going on long before they are ready for the table.

 

[greyfields]

There is no way to get a dual purpose breed to a decent weight prior to them starting being roosters. Now, I have done this, because I love coq au vin.

Another option is to just be satisfied with fryers rather than roasters. Process them at 3-4 lb live weight and you should catch them before full blown adolescence.

 

[flakey chick]

Thanks so much for your input, it really helps a lot. I will still probably give it a try, but definately limit the number and separate the boys.

 

[Godiva]

We had speckled sussex and BO that were crowing real manly crows and tearing into each other by the time they were big enough for slaughter. They just are very different from the broiler hybrids .... Good luck.