Getting rid of roosters

[Bantam bell Wood]

Definitely not full grown! I fell under this misconception too. I thought my under 4 lb barred rock girls were underweight at 20 weeks. They were a healthy weight and unlike solely meat birds, take 2 years to get to the full 6-7 pounds promised.

Edit addition: a 4.5 pound BYM (partial barred rock) at 17 weeks gave them 1.3 pounds of meat to work with (drumsticks and wings not deboned)

Bantams too?

 

[StinkyAcres]

So not this kind, huh?
View attachment 4225956

 

[StinkyAcres]

I thought it was a typo and meant something like pine cutters? I wouldn’t be using that on a bird.

No, these kind of pipe cutters (non-ratcheting; 1 5/8"):

 

[Slw]

Not entirely true. Alot of us here also process birds to feed ourselves, & family.

 

[Slw]

Anyone near by willing to butcher? I hate doing the killing part myself especially if I hand raised them from egg to adult. I get one of my adult sons (who have no attachment to do the kill) then I’m good with doing the rest of processing.

 

[Bantam bell Wood]

Thanks to all the advice here, someone is coming to get the three cockerels. Just in time too. From what I’ve read here, it’s around 12 weeks that they start to be dangerous to the pullets if they out number a good ratio.

 

[coach723]

Glad you found homes for some. The only caveat I have on rehoming cockerels, is cock fighting (I don't know if they have a bantam class!). I know where I live, illegal cock fighting still happens, and I will cull and process before I allow one of my birds to be used for that. Just something to keep in mind. For future reference: I use loppers when I cull (image below) I have a pair that are dedicated for chickens and only get used for that, so they are not dull, always clean, sharp and ready. At some point, it most likely will be necessary to have a plan. I will attach an article that is pretty good on all the methods, and the why's and why nots. The best way is the way you are comfortable with so that no goofs happen that cause suffering for the bird. Humane means quick and easy for them, not necessarily nice, or hands off, for us.
https://www.muranochickenfarm.com/2017/06/the-easiest-way-to-cull-chicken.html

 

[Bantam bell Wood]

Glad you found homes for some. The only caveat I have on rehoming cockerels, is cock fighting (I don't know if they have a bantam class!). I know where I live, illegal cock fighting still happens, and I will cull and process before I allow one of my birds to be used for that. Just something to keep in mind. For future reference: I use loppers when I cull (image below) I have a pair that are dedicated for chickens and only get used for that, so they are not dull, always clean, sharp and ready. At some point, it most likely will be necessary to have a plan. I will attach an article that is pretty good on all the methods, and the why's and why nots. The best way is the way you are comfortable with so that no goofs happen that cause suffering for the bird. Humane means quick and easy for them, not necessarily nice, or hands off, for us.
https://www.muranochickenfarm.com/2017/06/the-easiest-way-to-cull-chicken.html

View attachment 4226176

Oh schnike! I feel the same way about that. I’ll have to do a little probing b4 I let them go to that… thanks for the tip!

The cooperative extension is helping me out too, so if I get the wrong vibe from this taker, I’ve learned someone is willing to help me cull them. I do have a couple of good pairs of loppers and if it’s a toss up between cock fighting and fertilizer, I’m a gardner, have a strong stomach, and can always use extra nitrogen.

You’re a peach. Thanks for looking out for these boys.