Rooster processing age?

[piper2009]

I'm curious how old do non meat breed roos need to be in order to be
processed, we have a few extra.

Also they are 9 weeks old, and are on starter grower, do I need to put them on meat raiser feed?

Thanks,
Alex

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
I wouldnt change food at all but let them grow out to at least 14 weeks-I just processed 4 12 weekers and there wasnt much to them:-(

 

[eKo_birdies]

i would let them go 16-20 weeks. as far as feed, what specific protein %s are we talking here? i would have them on something w/ a 20-21% right now.

 

[PunkinPeep]

I just did some at 19 weeks, and they were about 3 3/4 pounds. A nice meal. Much after 20 weeks, and the meat gets a little tough if you don't crock pot it.

 

[piper2009]

eKo_Birdies, I don't know what % protein they are getting. They are on Purina Starter Grower.

 

[eKo_birdies]

hmm... i'm really unfamiliar w/ purina poultry products, as i feed custom milled feed. maybe the info is on the bag? i dunno?

ETA from what i could find i think the protein is 22%. i would say you are fine leaving them on that.

 

[Buttercup Chillin]

Interesting. I change my dual purpose chicks over to grower (16% I think) at 8 weeks and notice a big growth spurt. Don't know why, don't care why. Could be cause that's when they can start wandering about the yard, too.

I process when they start crowing to much and become irritating. Once I have decided who is going they do and I process a few at a time. I don't mind having a small Roo per person or for 2 people. Usually I start processing at 14 weeks and am done deciding by the time they are 17-18 weeks old, but not always. That way their meat is still mild flavored and tender too.

Mature Roos are not that tasty. No matter how long you cook them. If you do process mature older Roos, soak them in buttermilk to take some of the wildness from the flavor and it does tenderize them also.

 

[eKo_birdies]

Quote:
good to know!!!! if the growth is good....it's worth it to try that route... sure is less expensive.

this is a matter of taste preference.

although, there is nothing wrong w/ a buttermilk marinade!

 

[Jeremy Parker]

My extra roo's go to freezer camp at 16 to 20 weeks.

I don't find any difference in flavor roo or hen they all taste good!!

 

[Oven Ready]

Five months for us - Japanese Bantams. they don't get any bigger after 5 months and it's just about the time they start bothering everybody.
I've never noticed the difference in meat from cockerel or hen.

Mmmmm Tasty Chicken