How Early Can You Cull??

[mommto3kiddos]

My dad gave me back the 2 meaties I had given him! I don't want to keep them in my hen house run for long. They are Cornish X and are coming up on 8 weeks old.. Is it too soon to cull & eat?.

Also I feed medicated feed to my girls, and they have been on nonmedicated at my dads. Today they have fed with my girls. Is it ok they are eating the medicated feed & will be "eaten" soon?? Thanks

 

[terri9630]

Any age will work, it just depends on how big you want them. If they are the fast broilers we usually butcher at 8wks, if they are the slow broilers then we butcher when they are around 5-6lbs. As to the medicated feed you need to read the bag and see what the withdrawl time is. I never feed medicated feed past the first week or so if at all.

 

[FarmerRob]

When they are big enough to suit you they are big enough for freezer camp. That is true of all livestock--hence roast suckling pig, veal, etc.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

now.

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
I agree with this. I would not go much longer than 16 weeks, the could get too heavy and could die.

 

[jaj121159]

Quote:
What he said. 8 weeks is the normal butcher age.