What age should I cull my roosters?

[Coventrychikens]

I ordered chicks from Ideal and they sent 6 males for "warmth and comfort". I plan on taking them to the butcher when they are old enough and so what age should I take them to the butcher? I am hoping that they will be meaty enough by July 4th and I want to avoid the crowing so not to disturb the neighbors. They are 6 weeks old now and definitely don't have enough meat yet.

Thanks everyone, this site is great!

 

[ging3rhoffman]

We have white rock males that we are going to have processed at 12 weeks old.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

First let me say

from Ohio. You can butcher your chicken at any age it just depends on how much meat you want on them. I just took in two roos with my meat birds that were only 8 wks old. There wasn't a lot of meat on them, just enough for a single serving and they were very good. So you should be fine with yours for July. Good luck and glad you have joined us.

 

[scbatz33]

I saw someone post on here not to long ago that they use the following method to determine when to butcher....Old enough to crow, old enough to go!!

 

[vortec]

Thats a pretty good saying, lol. Thats about when I got tired of my roos. I have no experience culling anything but cornish x rocks and at 6 weeks, they were already a meal, lol

vortec

 

[danielbrown]

Its sounds like you have a duel purpose breed.
Ideally around 16-20 wks.

On July 4th they would be 10wks.
At that age they would be single serving size.

 

[vortec]

yeah, basicly a jumbo quail.

vortec

 

[rainbowgardens]

My dual purpose dominiques had to go at 10 weeks when they started crowing. I didn't know they would start so early.
I wouldn't plan on using the dual purpose again unless I am fortunate enough to move to more land that is zoned for livestock. The amount of meat on a 10 week old isn't worth it.

 

[Coventrychikens]

Thank you for your replies and welcomes. I am so siked, I'll atleast have 6 single size servings to go along with the burgers, dogs, and sausage...mmm. This site is invaluable, I've been teaching my boss about chickens and he has had his for over a year. i showed him a picture of the coop today and he asked me why my food and water were hanging on chains. I explained that it helps to minimize spillage. He replied that his hens get spill a lot of food and he should be able to hang them in his barn. I advised him to hang them about the height of the hens back (forgive me for not knowing proper anatomy, I will have it down soon) and there should be minimal spillage. he was very grateful (I say that because his farm is named after a dead tune)!

Thanks everyone on BYC, you are freak'in awesome!