what to do with extra roosters?

[mener6896]

just wondering what y'all do with your extra roos. I hatched some eggs, and I know I have at least 2 roos. Since I already have 3, I don't want any more. Other than freezer camp, what do you do with them? sell, give away? best options?

I didn't think my roos would have much meat on them, so I didn't want to cull them. I also don't want to process myself...I'm a wimp!

 

[Matt A NC]

I start out trying to find them homes. I take them to sell at shows and swaps. I also place free adds wherever I can around here. Let's face it, there are so few that I actually find homes for. Last year I think it was 5.

I always set a deadline for finding homes. Then we either process them or sell them to someone that is going to process them. The only comfort is that you know they were treated well till them and will go to help feed someone a better bird then what they will ever get in a store.

Matt

Edited to add that 4 of the those I found homes for were given away. A lose money wise, but at least I found them good homes.

 

[math ace]

I plan on selling or giving my extras away on Craigslist. I see people post them Free here on the BYC Auctions - all the time.

I am with you on that killing and eating thing - - -
- I would rather not do it if I don't have too.

 

[Tanichca]

If you didn't live so far away,I'd say give them to me.oh well.....
Seriously,try craigslist. That's what i'm doing when the obligatory roosters tuen up on the next hatch.

 

[Guinea Goonie]

Well, I now it is some what contro, but if the roo is a good looking guy I send him to the taxidermist.

Our taxidermist gases them, humanly and mounts them for sale in his store. People LOVE these mounted birds and some times I will not part with the ones I have.

If, however, the roo turns out to be a bully, a rapist or always getting beat up, he takes a trip to town.

and NO, it do not have any of my roos in the house. It is an option, one that is just not talked about or even thought about.

I love my roos, do not get me wrong, but some of them just to not fit the agenda on da farm.

I have always loved this statement from my goat, pig and cow raising buddy.

"The animals find them selves in paradise, until that ONE unhappy day."

 

[rhodiegal]

Our local farm supply takes them - we live in a fairly small town, and I do not know if all farm supplies would do this.

Also, I don't know if your particular state has this, but the Dept. of Ag puts out a farmers/consumers bulletin where you can place an add for free. They have a large poultry for sale section. I made the mistake of advertising a free rooster to good home (thinking nobody wanted a rooster) and received over 100 calls!

 

[squeakyballs]

Someone on our local craigslist keeps posting that they have a rooster and that they want to trade for a laying hen. You could try that.

 

[matte]

Our Amish neighbors will take them whether there is much meat on them or not. I guess they are more experienced at utilizing scrawny chickens in the pot than we are.

 

[Chickenaddict]

I have tried craigslist to sell but roos are hard to find homes for not to mention the crazy people you sometimes find on CL, you know the ones who want to show up to your place and steal your birds when you are not at home... Fortunately I know a few folks around here always willing to take the extra boys off my hands. One guy has a petting zoo/horse stable, Another guy has horse stables/petting zoo setup similar to the first guy only this guy works with special needs children so I give him my most tame gentle roos, And another guy who is on 20 acres and lets alll his birds roam free. Sometimes I take em to the swaps and if they don't sell I hit up all my swap buddies and start packing the boys into their vehicles....

After last years hatches turning out 90% roos I darn near exausted all my rehoming options, I sure hope this years hatches result in 90% pullets for a change.

 

[M To The Maxx]

I give mine away or sell them. If worse comes to worse I will eat them.

I have never had to before though.