Mix Breeds -When to Process?

[BradyMSU]

I bought 18 chicks this spring with the intent of keep six hens for layers and processing the other dozen for freezer chickens. These are not the standard meat type chickens like Cornish Rocks but instead a mix of cockerels and pullets of various breeds such as Barred Rock, New Hampshire Red, EEs, Cochins, etc. I have read a number of different opinions on when to have them butchered, 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, etc. What's average/ideal? Also, my local mill has someone who will process them for $1.75/bird. Is this a fair price?

 

[greyfields]

It costs me roughly $7 to get birds processed where I live. So that's a good price.

You are looking at 15+ weeks on the cockrels. It's not a matter of age, but weight. Get them on a broiler ration ASAP or it could take even longer. I'd say monitor their weight and when the heaviest is 6-7 lbs process them.