The reality for roosters is that there are manymanymany more of them hatched than there are "job positions" for them as flock husbands, breeders, or pets. If an ideal ratio for a mixed flock is 1:10 (and many flocks have NO roosters at all) then you can see that a good 90% of all roosters hatched have their purpose on a plate. That's what has kept chickens around as domesticated birds for thousands of years, this fact that they provide breakfasts & dinners.
If you hatch chicks or buy straight run you have to have a good plan in place for any & all unwanted roosters you get. Starting with not getting attached to each individual chick, not giving them names or making personalized Christmas ornaments for them until you're certain that they're hens you're going to keep, or mannerly roosters that get to stay. Practice saying "IF this is a chicken we're going to keep, we'll name it..."
It is difficult to come to terms with animals you know & care for being eaten, by yourself or someone else. But many folks have done that, and feel good about their ability to provide a quick, humane, gentle end for these animals, and about providing nourishment for their families from animals who were healthy & well-cared for.
Sometimes you can find folks who do have job openings for your roos, who may even give you some $$ for them. Others may lie to your face just to get chickens for their tables. It might help to find someone you can trust, to know that at least they will provide gentle handling for your birds right up to the end. Check to see if there are other BYC members in your area who will take your extra roos.
If you hatch chicks or buy straight run you have to have a good plan in place for any & all unwanted roosters you get. Starting with not getting attached to each individual chick, not giving them names or making personalized Christmas ornaments for them until you're certain that they're hens you're going to keep, or mannerly roosters that get to stay. Practice saying "IF this is a chicken we're going to keep, we'll name it..."
It is difficult to come to terms with animals you know & care for being eaten, by yourself or someone else. But many folks have done that, and feel good about their ability to provide a quick, humane, gentle end for these animals, and about providing nourishment for their families from animals who were healthy & well-cared for.
Sometimes you can find folks who do have job openings for your roos, who may even give you some $$ for them. Others may lie to your face just to get chickens for their tables. It might help to find someone you can trust, to know that at least they will provide gentle handling for your birds right up to the end. Check to see if there are other BYC members in your area who will take your extra roos.
