I’m in Maryland and I will have a couple cockerels that I need to go. Questions

[AngieDawn]

Once I truly figure out which are cockerels I’m going to keep one and the rest have to go. They are 3 weeks old and 6 weeks old so right now I’m just guessing although I’m pretty sure about a couple.
My question is would it be ok to offer them to someone on byc to process when they are processing their own? I honestly just don’t want to think that it’s ok or not ok and be wrong. I’m pretty sure I have barred rock, Orpington, black copper Maran and buckeye cockerels.
I know I can’t keep that many with my small flock and I’m not opposed to them being dinner. I’m just too lazy to bother with it myself.

 

[cavemanrich]

If you are not opposed to them being dinner,,,,,,,, then I don't see a problem with someone else having dinner.
I only keep my chickens as pets, and they live long lives into their golden years on Social Security. I'm a City Slicker with a small flock also. One family Bar-B-Cue, and my flock would not be sufficient to feed the tribe.
Yes........ offer them to someone that can enjoy a meal... Or need one in these difficult times.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[AngieDawn]

I guess I was asking if it was insulting to someone who raises meat birds to offer them these boys. I don’t want anything for them. I feel like they will have had a much better life then the chicken I buy at the store. Like I said I’m not going to bother with learning how to do it for just a few

 

[Ridgerunner]

I guess I was asking if it was insulting to someone who raises meat birds to offer them these boys.

A lot of us eat dual purpose birds. Nothing insulting at all about offering them. You can start a threat in the buy - sell section on here, find your state thread (assuming you are in the US) and chat with your neighbors, put an ad on Craigslist, or maybe your feed store will let you post an ad on a bulletin board.

 

[iwltfum]

I'll add that I raise broilers every year and I cherish an opportunity to "rehome" (to the freezer) a neighbor or friend's roosters. I sell alot of my broilers after I process them, but a young rooster of a laying variety I will keep for our household every time. Our family loves the taste and texture of a dual purpose and I'm sure you will find others that have the same opinion.

 

[AngieDawn]

I'll add that I raise broilers every year and I cherish an opportunity to "rehome" (to the freezer) a neighbor or friend's roosters. I sell alot of my broilers after I process them, but a young rooster of a laying variety I will keep for our household every time. Our family loves the taste and texture of a dual purpose and I'm sure you will find others that have the same opinion.

Ok. Thanks.

 

[Parront]

I guess I was asking if it was insulting to someone who raises meat birds to offer them these boys. I don’t want anything for them. I feel like they will have had a much better life then the chicken I buy at the store. Like I said I’m not going to bother with learning how to do it for just a few

I will add my 2 cents & agree that people are glad to get your birds free! I see free rooster ads in my local Craigs List all the time, at least last year, come to think of it I have not noticed them much this year, but wait until Fall! I used to have Orpingtons and ate quite a few, fried up in the pressure cooker. I like them better, they have a meatier flavor than a store bird. Never would enter my mind to be insulted by such a generous offer!

 

[AngieDawn]

I will add my 2 cents & agree that people are glad to get your birds free! I see free rooster ads in my local Craigs List all the time, at least last year, come to think of it I have not noticed them much this year, but wait until Fall! I used to have Orpingtons and ate quite a few, fried up in the pressure cooker. I like them better, they have a meatier flavor than a store bird. Never would enter my mind to be insulted by such a generous offer!

I know this sounds snobbish and honestly I’m not. I’m the “wear hand me downs and go fishing” kind of girl but I’d rather offer them here because I figure people on this site are at least trying to do things the “right” way. I have no problem with them being eaten but I don’t want them to suffer in a 2 foot cage for a week before it happens. Or have someone take them who doesn’t know what they are doing so it’s slow and painful. I’d worry about just posting them on Craigslist because I figure there is more of the “let’s try something” or I’d be afraid someone would want a fighting rooster or something.