What to do with roosters?

[Mommysongbird]

We haven't hatched yet but was wondering what you all do with roosters since there is a higher chance for males than females?

We will probably keep 1 at least, but not sure about any more than that, I know it is not the best idea to have more than 1 rooster.

 

[Domestic_goddess]

First choice is to find them new homes, and second cull them for meat!

 

[texasgal]

Law of averages says you'll average about 50% roos. I've never had any problem advertising them on craigslist for free .. they leave usually that day.

I've given a few to friends, and so far haven't had to eat one .. but I'm not against that at all...

~dw

 

[squeakyballs]

I wait until they start crowing, then I offer them up for free on Craigslist. Sometimes I add (a few dollar donation would be nice, but isn't required) at the end of the post. A few people have given me around five bucks, most don't. That's fine.

Most people play it off as "we are going to keep him with our hens as a pet" but I suspect that most go into a soup pot.

 

[Bi0s]

take mine to the auction

 

[Mommysongbird]

Thanks, I don't like Craigslist, but I guess I can do it for this.

When do you usually know that they are male?? I have read a few things, but still not sure. I would rather NOT wait till they are crowing, but if I have to.

 

[Domestic_goddess]

Quote:
Well you'll have to wait a few weeks, 4-5 maybe more. They will be bigger, fatter legs and thier combs go red faster then all the rest. Edited to add...I knew my RIR was a roo in just 2 weeks.

 

[schellie69]

If I hatch my own chicks the rooster would be used for meat for the family. I would rather eat what I raise then what I can buy in the store.

 

[Mommysongbird]

Quote:
Do you mean like at a stock yard? We are not allowed around here to take any birds to the stock yard.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

What kind of chickens are you hatching? Any breed of chicken can be eaten (they all taste just like chicken!) but the larger heavy breeds make the best table fare. This is a GREAT question to ask now, before you even begin hatching. Since you're just beginning with chickens you may wish to wait before venturing out into processing. However, it seems you have a sizeable crew in your family, maybe you'll want to start right away. There will be a lot of folks here, especially on the Meat Birds, Etc section, to guide you through.

Since I learned how to process my own chickens I no longer dread watching the little combs on my hatchlings turn red & grow large. I know that some of them will grow to make our breakfast, the rest will be our dinners.