I have Barred Rocks, when can I Butcher the Extra Roos?

[Blueicebird]

I am first time owner of chickens, and with a straight run I ended up with 5 Roos outta 7 chicks. -.-
4 outta the 5 roos are destined for the cooking pot, I just wonder how old or how much they should weigh before the deed is done? They were born around mid March, and are starting to be pains in the neck with picking on my new girls.

 

[Gallusfarm]

16 weeks is recommended - and that's where you are. You could go a few more weeks but if they are a nusiance go ahead and do it... They might feel light to you, but once you cook them down there will be more meat than you might have thought. Good luck.

 

[Blueicebird]

Thank you! I feel awful about it, but what am I going to do with all those boys. lol I will set it up to have them taken care of in the next week or so then.

 

[Gallusfarm]

Don't feel awful. You've given them a good life.

 

[Larkin]

Quote:
I agree! I think we all roll the dice when it comes to mother nature. Sometimes we are lucky and it turns out the way we hoped for. Other times, well you know....

 

[Blueicebird]

Thanks for making me feel better

 

[Poppafrog]

I know how you feel. Out of 13 RIR I got 7 roos!

 

[jimmythechicken]

we got 18 roos out of 22 black orp chicks lol thank god we did not pay anything for them guess now we know why lol we got them as week olds an they are about 5 weeks now guess my freezer will be full this fall.

 

[Chick15]

We got 5 roos out of 16.. but we are not lucky.... we only wanted at max 8 hens and were going to kill and eat the roos, but now we only have 5 and we have to give away some hens as we cannot keep 11... grrr

 

[Nimby Chickens]

Why give them away? Sell them!