How long til maturity?

[RebelsHope]

I wanted to hatch out some of my own chicks from my layers this year. All the hens are heavy breeds: BO, Silver Laced Wayndotte, RIR, NHR, Barred Rock. My roo is a RIR banty X EE. How do I know when the cockerls would be ready to butcher? I talked to the processing plant and they said that in late summer I need to call about a month before hand.

 

[silkiechicken]

Since those are not meat birds, I would aim for the 14-16 week old mark. Don't expect anything that looks like supermarket birds though. They will be about half the size.

 

[RebelsHope]

Thanks, I was just going to do it so I didn't have a ton of roo running a muck in the barn yard.

 

[wynedot55]

heavybreed roos will be ready for the freezer in 16 to 24 weeks.

 

[legacyln]

I'm in the same situation-- thanks for the responses. Can we expect a lot of trouble in the way of fighting from these boys as they grow? Can they stay in with the pullets? Mine are 6-7 weeks and I see some sparring beginning. I'm not too excited about butchering but I can't find anyone local to give these guys away to!

 

[skeeter]

i would get a different rooster,

JMHO

 

[greyfields]

Leaving your heavy breed cockrels with pullets never seems to work. By the 14, 16 or 20 week mark they are very much roosters and will spend all their time chasing women and fighting. They don't put on weight well or retain a soft muscle texture if allowed to be this active. Your pullets will also thank you if you separate them.

 

[greyfields]

Quote:
Yeah. Bantams. :|