Processing question

[boxermom]

Is there a "rule of thumb" for live weight to dressed weight ratio in chickens and turkeys? I've tried to search and can only find food to meat ratios.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

That depends on what your shooting for. I personaly like to get their live weight between 5-6 pounds.

Many people here like to get dressed weights of 5-6 lbs.

What to count on is 70% of the live weight will be the actual weight of the dressed bird. So figure out what size you want and then go from there.

As for "rule of thumb" I would say most people shoot for 6-8 lbs in 8 weeks. (live weight)

Hope that helps....

 

[boxermom]

Thanks for the 70% info. I don't have cornish X's, but rather BO's. We'll be processing the extra roos in Sept. They are 4mo old today. DD's and I weighed one today. 6#. I think they are getting there.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

If they are 16 weeks they are good to go. I'm not sure they will get much bigger... before they get tougher.

The older they get the tougher they get... but you have a few weeks yet if you want. But they may only gain about a pound more in that 2 months.

Buff Orpintons aren't known for their meat but I do like their color and flavor when processed.

Good luck...