JRD2002
In the Brooder
- Jul 12, 2016
- 10
- 4
- 39
I have 30 New Hampshire Red roosters that are 14 weeks old and weigh 3.5 to 4 lbs each. I was hoping to slaughter them at around 6 lbs but they have stopped putting on weight due to the heat (100F+). They free range in a large backyard and I also keep a 50/50 mixture of commercial starter/grower feed with 20% protein and whole grain winter wheat. Except for the weight gain slowing or stopping in some birds they all are very healthy looking. I am wondering what my best course of action is. Should I slaughter them only weighing 4 lbs or should I keep them until cooler weather sets in and they can add some more weight (which would make them around 30 weeks old at slaughter). BTW I have a mister station set up in the yard and we also wet down the shaded areas they like to sit in so they are comfortable enough that I am not worried about them surviving the heat.