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Roos mixed in with hens.....when can I eat them?

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by eggcamefirst, Aug 9, 2013.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Aug 9, 2013 #1
    eggcamefirst

    eggcamefirst Out Of The Brooder

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    Mar 14, 2010
    Piedmont Triad, NC
    For the second time in two years some of the "hens" I got turned out to be roosters. Out of 7 I have 5 hens. I do NOT want to keep a rooster again so I was planning on "repurposing" them but wanted to wait until they were mostly full grown. They are Australorps and are already 11 weeks old. The two in question already have deep red combs and wattles, whereas the third autralorp isn't even close to that color. Thanks!!
     
  3. Aug 9, 2013 #2
    Hannah11

    Hannah11 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Oct 11, 2012
    Bluff, New Zealand
    Eat the roo's? if that is what you mean we eat them around the first (proper) crow :) hope that helps :)
     
  5. Aug 9, 2013 #3
    Wyandottes7

    Wyandottes7 Overrun With Chickens

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    Jul 24, 2013
    18-20 weeks of age is usually the time to process non-commercial breeds, so I'd wait until then.
     
  7. Aug 9, 2013 #4
    donrae

    donrae Hopelessly Addicted Premium Member

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    Southern Oregon
    Around 20 weeks is considered the best time for a dual purpose. This is the average point where they've gained most of the weight they're going to gain, after that you're just pouring feed into a non-gaining bird.

    Or, whenever he becomes too much of a pain in the butt.
     

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