New to thinning of the flock, how to choose which roos to slaughter?!?!

[threesons]

I agree with Mary. Even the gentle ones may not be so gentle towards predators.

 

[kkenney]

Thank you everyone for your input. It is much appreciated! We know what we would like in our flock ideally but with this being our first time with chickens I was just curious what others have done, what has worked for them and why in case someone had a good point that we hadn't considered!

 

[kkenney]

As Ridgerunner said, it's a decision only you can make, based on what your goals for your flock are. Personally, if I had mean ones, they'd be the first to go. A couple of years ago, when I had about 20 roosters to choose from, I chose my Brahma over all the rest because of his personality. He was not the least bit aggressive toward humans. He would always keep a respectful distance, moving away with his hens. Just because he didn't show aggression to us, does not mean that he wouldn't protect his hens. He was one of several that got taken by what was suspect was coyotes last summer. Did he give himself up first? We'll never know.

Giving them to a "loving home" is a nice thought, but I wonder how many people take roosters to their "loving home" and lovingly put them in the stewpot. I know I would

Yes, we live in the country with quite a few older farmers around. There aren't any that I am aware of that would be giving a "loving home" to any rooster where that home didn't include a hot bath and some chopped veggies and pasta and a spoon!