Processing extra roosters??

[pmoore]

Would it be un-wise to process unwanted roosters regardless of breed?
We purchased a large order of straight run assorted chicks hoping to process the roosters that were troublesome or if we had too many. After discovering some of the breeds, I've read that they fall under the "poor" category of meat production.
Should we not process them? Or process them and eat them anyways?
Trying to figure out our best route seeing as we have at least 5-7 roos out of our 20 chickens!
Thank you in advance!

 

[Rlmp817]

I would say process them, unless you think you could rehome them. Maybe keep your favorite for breeding. A flock that size wouldn’t really need more than 1-2 Roos. So process your others to keep your flock happy.

 

[bobbi-j]

Go ahead and process them! They just won’t be as meaty as some others. There is still plenty of goodness to be had in your own chickens. You can put them in the crock pot or pressure cooker and cook them to pieces, then make broth or stock. You can process them at about 13 weeks and grill them as they will still be somewhat tender (remember to let them “rest” in the fridge for about 72 hours first before eating so rigor passes). Home grown chicken has much more flavor and texture than the 8-week old babies you buy at the store.

 

[Cyprus]

I would still process them. We processed a skinny EE rooster of ours. Almost nothing on him, but still took him to freezer camp to keep our girls happy.

 

[pmoore]

Thank you everyone! I appreciate the feedback and I'm glad that we'll still be putting some meat in our freezer

 

[Egghead_Jr]

The thinner layer type cockerels would be better fried. The plumper dual purpose type broiled/grilled. I grill my extra birds by 14 weeks of age. You can fry up to 18 weeks of age.

 

[pmoore]

The thinner layer type cockerels would be better fried. The plumper dual purpose type broiled/grilled. I grill my extra birds by 14 weeks of age. You can fry up to 18 weeks of age.

Awesome! Thank you for the advice!

 

[bbond]

Process them and make amazing bone broth. So good for you!

 

[JDN]

Remember, "Poor" means feed conversion, and the weight they'll reach. They are still functionally flightless fowl. Quail and Pheasant and Partridge are delicious and they are lean enough to "really" fly.