when can i slaughter

[case6]

im new at this and i was wondering at what age are my chickens ready to slaughter. i only want to slaughter a few this year. they are 11-13 weeks old. (buff orpingtons, rhode island reds, golden sextlings, plymith rocks, and to be honest a few i can't remember. my stupidity i know.)im ready to feast but don't want to jump the gun. thanks.

 

[chicklips]

Dual purpose birds such as those are recommended to be slaughtered around 16-20 weeks of age. This is ideal for weight and tenderness. You can however, slaughter at any time, it depends on how big of a bird you want, what cooking method you plan on using (older birds tend to be tough), and wether you want to utilize eggs when they come into laying.




Linda

 

[Judy]

At 14 weeks they will still be nice and tender but won't be full size. Ours weighed about 2.5 lbs at 15 or 16 weeks.

Maybe go ahead and do one, and see what you think.

 

[case6]

good to know. thanks alot.
i think i will do one and see what i think.