Save the big ones?

[JDHiggy]

Howdy. I am 68 years old and raising my first chickens. I have 20 Rhode Island Reds. I am saving 5 for eggs and butchering the others. There is variation in size. Some are 1/3 to 1/4 bigger than the others. 12 weeks old. I thought “save 5 big ones” because I felt they would lay more eggs. My wife says “save the smaller ones because they will grow bigger.” (Then get bigger chickens in the freezer). Any thoughts on this?

 

[Weeg]

I don't know which will lay more eggs, but it makes sense to eat the bigger ones I think.

 

[springvalley123]

I'd make sure they were old enough that I didn't butcher any pullets, to make sure I had enough hens. I'd allow for a month or two from the first crowing to feel safe that I'd eliminated all the cockerels. I did have one amberlink that was half the size of the others, and she grew up to be the smallest and laid the smallest egg. But, I don't know if the biggest hens lay the biggest eggs necessarily. So if you do butcher the biggest, you'll definitely get more meat, and you'll probably end up with smaller egg layers, but maybe not necessarily smaller eggs.

 

[fuentemoon]

I'd keep those with the best temperament personally, but I like to be able to get near mine without a chase.

 

[JDHiggy]

I'd make sure they were old enough that I didn't butcher any pullets, to make sure I had enough hens. I'd allow for a month or two from the first crowing to feel safe that I'd eliminated all the cockerels. I did have one amberlink that was half the size of the others, and she grew up to be the smallest and laid the smallest egg. But, I don't know if the biggest hens lay the biggest eggs necessarily. So if you do butcher the biggest, you'll definitely get more meat, and you'll probably end up with smaller egg layers, but maybe not necessarily smaller eggs.

I ordered 20 pullets but do have one cockerel. I was going to keep him and 4 pullets in case I want to incubate.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

You are better off selling sexed pullets near or at laying age then eating them in my opinion. You should easily get $20 a piece for them, especially if they are purebred and good layers.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Oh, and welcome to BYC!

 

[fuentemoon]

I ordered 20 pullets but do have one cockerel. I was going to keep him and 4 pullets in case I want to incubate.

In that case definitely keep those with qualities you like what ever those are

 

[JDHiggy]

Thanks. Your comments were helpful

 

[3KillerBs]

I'd say to keep the prettiest ones, the ones that conform most closely to their breed standards, the ones that start laying first, the ones that have the best personalities, ....

Whatever defines "best" for you, keep the best and eat the rest.