Rooster overpopulation - what do most of you do?

[suzpyoung]

Somebody on here said it had been the year(s) of the rooster, and boy I believe it! I have nine and only want to keep two. It's really noisy, as you might imagine, and I'm at my wit's end as to what to do. I have some listed here on BYC and am trying Craigslist to no avail (silkies, bantam cochin, EEs). I'm sure I'm not the only one this has happened to and am looking for suggestions as to what others have done. They are ALL friendly and sociable - so culling would be difficult if not outright impossible for me personally.

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

You can check with your local feed store or on line to see if there is a local poultry or small animal auction. It is a great place to get rid of unwanted birds.

 

[VAaddict]

I have a local farm nearby that does slaughter their chickens, but until then, they have the time of there life, and not all get killed.

 

[Montana-Hens]

Unfortunately getting rid of roosters is a problem. Many rescue societies are now lobbying against backyard flocks because they are being over run by roosters.

At my house they meet with an unfortunate demise, Andy the Axe, and then go to the stock pot. Most roos are not really worth freezer camp. It is hard for me as I have to do it as my husband won't, and they are my birds to raise.

If you are lucky you will be able to find someone who will take them, even if it is to butcher them.

 

[HEChicken]

Unfortunately, there just isn't a great demand for roosters. Even those who are able to keep roosters (i.e., no city ordinances against it) are not going to need more than about one for every 10 hens, and that is if they want fertile eggs. I was in the same boat late last year as my first batch of chicks was straight run and I wound up with four roosters (in a city where I can't legally have even one). DH and I read up a lot on the meaties section of the board, as well as watching YouTube videos, to make sure we got it right. In the end, I was able to do the deed, because I knew that the boys had had a great life (free-ranging from dawn to dusk, eating all kinds of kitchen scraps, grass, bugs etc.) compared to the commercial meat-raising operations, and they were dispatched humanely. And, after all, we gotta eat so its either my own boys, or some nameless chicken from the grocery store but either way they had to die to provide that meal.

 

[suzpyoung]

Quote:
I didn't even think of the local farm auction - thanks! It's held on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays of the month and they do poultry at noon. I'm on my way!!