Timing for Roosters

[kaikuchta]

Hi all, was wondering at about what age an EE rooster will hit full grown. I have one that isn't the nicest bird and I don't like that he is starting to get more aggressive with the pullets. He is 3 months now. I am debating whether to hold out if he will be full grown in a few more weeks, or whether I should separate him to grow him up where he can't be aggressive. Thoughts are appreciated!

 

[Den in Penn]

Assuming the flock is all the same age, cockerels mature sooner then pullets. Just the way it is. So he has no mature hens to be with. You are in an ugly period when he is more mature then the pullets and it shows in his behavior. If he isn't the nicest now, ask yourself if you really want him around. If you do, your flock will just have to endure this period. Separating him won't cure him of his aggressiveness towards the pullets.

 

[kaikuchta]

The plan is to raise him for meat. We don't want to keep a rooster long term. Just wondering size wise when he will stop growing. So whether to keep him with them or to separate depending on length of time before we decide to 'take him to the farm'.

 

[Folly's place]

It will be a trade-off between size and tenderness. Consider about sixteen weeks of age, if you can tolerate his behavior that long. Bigger and older will be delicious in the crock pot! Mary

 

[Den in Penn]

Ditto what Mary said.

 

[aart]

You can separate him, just to give the pullets a break-they'll appreciate it.
He won't be real happy about it tho, but tough cookies.
I kept a cockerel separated by wire over a winter until I got my nerve up to butcher him at 10 months old, he was fine..... and delicious.

If butchered before 15 weeks you can still grill them...after that it's best to slow or pressure cook for stew/soup.
There won't be much meat on them that young but the crispy grilled skin is awesome and you can still use the bones, feet, neck for broth.

Or you can let him grow larger for more meat.

Either way it's not going to be soft, 'tender' flesh like grocery birds.
Make sure you let the cleaned carcass rest in the fridge for 2-3 day before cooking or freezing or it will be much tougher.

 

[kaikuchta]

Thanks so much for all the information. I am keeping an eye on him for now. He seems to respond when I get cross with him. Let's see if he can live peaceful for a while longer.