How old before you can butcher?

[eggcamefirst]

I have a BO roo which I am planning on relocating, but if I can't he might dinner. How old does a roo have to be before its worth butchering?

 

[HEChicken]

I butchered a couple of BO roos around 16-17 weeks. They weren't huge but they were a decent size.

 

[eggcamefirst]

I don't know that I have the resources (or want) to butcher the bird. Would a typical butcher take a live chicken and do it?

 

[HEChicken]

I'd be surprised. You'd be better off looking for processors in your area. (I.e., where do the cattle and pigs go to be slaughtered?)

 

[bwmichaud]

Quote:
A typical butcher probably would not. You would probably need to find a specific poultry processor. If you can muster the want, it takes very little equipment to process 1 roo. You can use a gallon plastic jug with the bottom cut off and the mouth enlarged for a kill cone. Nail it to a tree or fencepost upside down and place the roo in and slit it's throat and let it bleed out for a few minutes. Get your biggest pot and heat the water to around 148 degrees. Bring the water outside and dunk the roo for a minute or so until the feathers pull out easily. Pluck all the feathers, cut off the neck and feet, make a slit in the abdomen and remove the innards. Rinse well, age for a day or so in the fridge then cook and eat! For only 1 roo, it's worth giving it a try.

 

[jaketheeggman]

5.5 months