How do you know when it is time to start butchering?

[Super Chickenman]

We have been doing the Cornish Rock X. Butchered at exactly 8 1/2 weeks. The birds ranged from the smallest at 4.2 lbs, Largest at 6.5lbs with average at 5.22lbs. We did 25 birds, fed 1 bag of Chick starter feed, 4 bags (80lbs ea) from our local Firth Mill elevator in Idaho and 1 bag of turkey grower. We have fed them up to 10lbs dressed weight and just felt this was too big. Although we fed slower, the big birds still had a harder time getting around. I liked our outcome with the last batch, our final cost was $1.22 per pound, but again, we know what they were fed and how. It was really cool to see 25 white birds hanging out under the trees and munchin on grass. I do have to mention that my buddy and I build a whiz bang chicken plucker. Greatest invention ever! We are now going to try Turkens or Naked Necks for meat birds this year. Can't wait to see what that does!

 

[hellbender]

We have been doing the Cornish Rock X. Butchered at exactly 8 1/2 weeks. The birds ranged from the smallest at 4.2 lbs, Largest at 6.5lbs with average at 5.22lbs. We did 25 birds, fed 1 bag of Chick starter feed, 4 bags (80lbs ea) from our local Firth Mill elevator in Idaho and 1 bag of turkey grower. We have fed them up to 10lbs dressed weight and just felt this was too big. Although we fed slower, the big birds still had a harder time getting around. I liked our outcome with the last batch, our final cost was $1.22 per pound, but again, we know what they were fed and how. It was really cool to see 25 white birds hanging out under the trees and munchin on grass. I do have to mention that my buddy and I build a whiz bang chicken plucker. Greatest invention ever! We are now going to try Turkens or Naked Necks for meat birds this year. Can't wait to see what that does!

Where do you plan to get your Turkens? We've had them for decades. Also we plan to utilize them in our capon project using Chanteclers and Dark Cornish.

I can tell you from personal experience, the Turken has very flavorful meat with full breasts and plump legs on their own. WE feel that using our hybridization project can only increase the flavor and production values.

 

[Super Chickenman]

We have them coming from our local Firth mill and elevator.