Options for RIR Rooster

[jenlevy]

Hi. We ordered 4 pullets from a local hatchery, 2RIR and 2 Barred Rocks (our first chickens). They are now 13 weeks old and at least one of the RIR is a rooster - jury is still out on the other. He has gotten really aggressive in the past couple of days and we don't think we can keep him due to the crowing (although he is really beautiful and from what I have read he might calm down). The hatchery will exchange him for a hen. They will kill him of course but I am not sure if they will eat him. I want to do the responsible thing. So my questions are...1. do you have to caponize a rooster if you are going to eat him? 2. what is the best/most humane way to kill a chicken? Thanks!

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

No you do not need to caponize a rooster for eating. Many people have various means of dispatch. Personally I perfer......a hatchet or axe. I am comfortable use it, and know that death is instant.

Again

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

I agree with horsefeathers...the hatchet will not be pleasant for you, but it is the absolute quickest most painless way for the bird...sorry!!

 

[jenlevy]

Thank you both for your fast response. Now we just have to decide if we do it or the hatchery! As first-time chicken owners I think we do need to learn how to cull a member of our flock - I was just hoping it would not happen so fast!

 

[briana1975]

Can you wait a couple weeks then butcher him so you can have him for dinner. At least then all the money you put into him for feed you can get a little back by having a great dinner.

 

[jenlevy]

So is he too young to eat now at 13 weeks? We probably could wait unless his crowing reaches the point that it bothers the neighbors. No complaints yet just trying to be a good neighbor.

 

[briana1975]

How big do you think he is? Our were just 16 weeks when we butchered them and we got 4-5lb birds. They taste good too.

 

[jenlevy]

I would guess 4 lbs, (I am not at home right now so will check tonight). We probably could wait at least a week or two to butcher him. I'll be sure to wear some body armor in the mean time when I go in their run. He is pretty aggressive.

Thanks

 

[lildinkem]

IF the hatchery will give ya a pullet in exchange, do the trade. After all you have no need for an aggressive RIR cockerel.

 

[greathorse]

Exchange that is a very good hatchery if they will exchane a hen of the same age. Do it