Feeding and Temperment of BO Roosters

[Farmer123]

Hello, I recently purchased 50 roosters of the dual purpose Buff Orpington's for meat on May 8th. I'm wondering if there are any recommendations on feed? I started them on medicated feed for 2 1/2 weeks and moved them to Flock Raiser by Purina a few days ago which is unmedicated. Do I have to worry about worms or coccidiosis?

Also, can anyone speak on their temperment and what I can expect?

Thanks, Farmer 123

 

[wekiva bird]

How old.? Did you get them from a hatchery? Hatchery bird don't get as big and sometimes the temperment are bad. I deworm mine.

 

[Buffalo Chopper]

BOs are generally known to be fairly calm chickens. however i had some BO roosters and they were mean and aggressive. i had to cull them early as one of them attacked my 68 pound airedale terrier unprovoked(didnt end well for that one) i have a scar on my leg from a sneak attack from one. hopefully yours will be easier to handle. As far as feed goes i would stay with flock raiser b/c it has more calories to fatten them up. also let the free range as much as possible, the meat will taste so much better.

 

[my sunwolf]

If they're all for meat, don't deworm them, the worms won't have time to establish themselves by the time you slaughter the birds.

Cocci you always have to worry about, but they got a good start with the medicated feed. Just make sure the bedding is clean and dry and you should be fine. If they're hunched over, puffy, and lethargic, then start to worry about cocci.

I agree with wekiva that hatchery birds are inconsistent--temperaments and sizes will all be different. BOs from hatcheries won't get as large, but they still have fairly rounded carcasses even young. In a bachelor coop with enough room, you shouldn't see too much fighting.

Good luck!