Two Too Many Roosters

[MoonShadows]

My chicks are almost 8 weeks old. When I ordered I thought I was getting 15 hens and 1 rooster, but it seems (to me) I have two Delaware Roosters and 1 New Hampshire Rooster. Out of my 4 Delawares, 2 have pronounced deep red combs and wattles already. Last night I saw them "play fighting"...dancing around each other and then banging chests. I also have 1 New Hampshire Red that has the same pronounced Red Comb and wattles. All the rest are just starting to grow combs or have very small combs so far..

Is it too early to tell?
Is 3 roosters out of 16 total chickens too many roosters?

Any help or insight is appreciated.

 

[MontanaDolphin]

That is too many roosters for the girls. When they are old enough to mate, the hens will get terrorized with that many horny boys (lol). Your best bet is to either find the extra roosters new homes...or...eat 'em.

 

[MoonShadows]

That's what I thought, and that's what I plan to do...either homes or the dinner table.

 

[Highcotton]

I smell fried chicken!

 

[SillyChicky]

That's one too many cocks in the bok bok box :-D lol

 

[SillyChicky]

I smell fried chicken!

No way, it's bbq season!

 

[MoonShadows]

They are 8 weeks old. How old is a good age to process them? or weight? I would think before the hens start laying some time in August(?)

BTW...I just love BBQ chicken!

 

[MontanaDolphin]

The best age (from what I've researched) is between 18 and 20 weeks. I have the same problem as you...I was supposed to have 5 pullets and 1 cockerel, and ended up with 2 pullets and 4 cockerels. So 3 of the cockerels will be dinner in 6 weeks...when they turn 18 weeks old. I'm keeping my favorite cockerel, Zeus, so I can have baby chicks in the future. Also, I think he's gorgeous...definitely not show quality for a barred rock (but I knew they wouldn't be, coming from a hatchery), but his feather coloring is unique and beautiful. Besides, I love him.

Here he is...

 

[stvnschnell]

While I have no problem eating chickens. I'm thinking, that I may make a separate smaller coop for the roosters. Mainly because the only chicks that I ordered straight run are special breeds that I want to propagate. So id like to have multiple roos for breeding. The layers I ordered are all pullets. Does anyone have an idea of what the hen to rooster ratio should be?

 

[MoonShadows]

The best age (from what I've researched) is between 18 and 20 weeks. I have the same problem as you...I was supposed to have 5 pullets and 1 cockerel, and ended up with 2 pullets and 4 cockerels. So 3 of the cockerels will be dinner in 6 weeks...when they turn 18 weeks old. I'm keeping my favorite cockerel, Zeus, so I can have baby chicks in the future. Also, I think he's gorgeous...definitely not show quality for a barred rock (but I knew they wouldn't be, coming from a hatchery), but his feather coloring is unique and beautiful. Besides, I love him.

Here he is...

Wow! You really got the short end of the deal. Zeus is beautiful.