I am not sure if I am posting this in the correct spot...but here goes!! I am a somewhat new mama of chickens. My first batch arrived on May 1st. They are meat chickens. This week will be eight weeks that I have had them. They are doing great!! Looks good enough to eat !!! Oops wrong button! My question is, when do I butcher? The roosters are trying to crow, and I don't want them to get too mature (if you know what I mean!).. Do I schedule soon?? Any replies would be appreciated. I have looked through all of my books, magazine, etc can't find any information about when????? Dot
Thanks!! My family lived in Australia for eight years. We had five chickens - two white silkies and two rhode island reds!! When we came back from Australia, we purchased 15 rhode island reds. They stopped laying and we had them butchered. These are the first meat chickens that I have raised.
Can't help with the butchering question. I have pets. You could try posting that question in the meat bird section. There are lots of members that raise meat birds. Imp
If they are Cornish X, it is time. You can use the "report" button at the bottom of your post to ask a mod to move your post.
Welcome Dot: If they look and feel big enough to you, then it's time. I wouldn't wait to long tho, they might start to "flip (some say heart attacks - end result they start dying)" on you. I would say 12 - 14 weeks would be max, and yes some birds do live to a ripe old age. After a while, they can't walk well and just lay around, this I have noticed damages the meat. Enjoy - you are in for a treat.