How do you know when it is time to butcher?

[justlearning]

We received 5 "roasters" from 4H on May 1 and 5 "broilers" on June 1. Brand new to this and wanted to know what are the signs that the birds are ready to be butchered? The "roasters" are getting big but the fair isn't until the end of July.

 

[Jschaaff]

Hello

I wasn't aware there was a difference in broilers and roasters, except for the age at which you decide to slaughter them, so someone else might be able to help more...

but to my knowledge, for a "broiler/fryer", you cull at a smaller weight, around 3.5 lbs and at around 5-6 weeks of age.

For a "roaster" you would cull between 7-10 weeks, for a much larger, 5+ lb. bird, though I believe most people slaughter around 8 weeks old.


-Jessa

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

if htey are big CX you just butcher at the size you want, but before they go down to size related ailments.

 

[justlearning]

How can you tell if they are about to go down to ailments? Any indicators? Would hate to loose after all this time.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

they can go lame due to a slipped tendon in the leg,
and then of course CHF (you will notice their combs getting darker and then purpler)
how old are they? and how much do they weigh?

 

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

What's the actual breed of the birds? Pix?