We just processed our first group of Bresse cockerels. They were around 18-20 weeks old and average processed weight was 4 lb. We did not confine them and fatten them up with grain in the traditional way. They would have been heavier if we had done that but we need to set up a special pen for the next group. We also processed our 2 yr old roo because he had attacked each of us and was getting more aggressive. He is being replaced with 2 of his sons. We roasted one of the cockerels along with accidentally the roo. The young bird was excellent in flavor and very tender & moist. The roo was so tough, we could barely cut the meat or skin (think rubber chicken). He was only good for stock. All of our young pullets are laying and we have our 2 foundation hens in with the 2 cockerels. I need to check for fertility but I'm sure that we will have fertile eggs available in the next couple of months. We are also raising Pita PIntas for meat but the pullets are still a few weeks away from laying so it will be a few months before we have fertile eggs from them.
Thanks for answering.
Sounds delish! I'm not surprised by the older rooster though. I'm sure he would've made a fine coq au vin! We did a 2 year old RIR rooster that way. Very tasty!
I guess that I shouldn't have been surprised but I'm used to my Langshans. Even the roos that are older than 1 year are tender and delicious when roasted. Maybe it's because Langshans are a very slow to mature breed. My cockerels don't crow at all until around 30 weeks old.Thanks for answering.Sounds delish! I'm not surprised by the older rooster though. I'm sure he would've made a fine coq au vin! We did a 2 year old RIR rooster that way. Very tasty!
I once considered getting langshans. Do you know the average dressed weight of those & at what age? You've piqued my curiosity.
Who sales hatching eggs or chicks that are Langshan? I want some.I once considered getting langshans. Do you know the average dressed weight of those & at what age? You've piqued my curiosity.
Sorry that I didn't answer you right away! Let me go check in my freezer! I don't have the records because we do the processing at my friend's farm and she keeps those records. Last year we processed some at around 22 weeks old and this year we narrowed down our roos so those were about 1 1/2 yr old. Let me go check the weights and get back to you. Also, there is a Langshan thread with several people who have years of experience with Langshans. They will probably have better answers to your questions. This will be my first year breeding them.I once considered getting langshans. Do you know the average dressed weight of those & at what age? You've piqued my curiosity.
Thanks, no problem. I will check out the thread.
