How long until roosters get tough

[bakerjw]

I am sure that it varies by breed but in general how long is it before roosters start to get tough and stringy? I have some white rocks coming up on 5 months and wonder if I need to slow cook them or if they'd be ok to fry.

 

[Mervin]

I processed some six-month-old Welsummers last fall. They were fine. I just let them age for about five days before I tried to cook them. They weren't necessarily like grocery store chicken, but that isn't what I go for anyway. Personally, I think that proper aging and cooking technique are the most important factors when dealing with older/breeding males. Low (heat) and slow (time) is the mantra for cooking mature roosters. I would think frying WOULD NOT be your best option with a five-monther. Think more along the lines of crock pot or Cock-Au-Vin. The ALBC has a pretty good primer on cooking with heritage chicken.

Added...I made paprikash with a 4-month-old last summer and it was pretty good too. Basically, it was browned over high heat and then braised. It had some texture but certainly was not tough.

 

[DelawareSilkie]

In my time dealing with roosters, the firm texture and flavour gets stronger over time, especially with year old roosters who are the dominant or sub-dominant fowl in the flock. I think it's due to the testosterone and amount of times the chicken has mated...so earlier the better.