There isn't much to banties, but they do make a darn good stock and soup. I cooked the ones I had in a crockpot with water most of the day, then strained out everything, picked all the meat off, and froze the stock in 2 cup increments, and shredded and froze the meat for enchiladas
I skinned them to make it easy on me
For the 5 month old roos - perfect time! They will never look like the breasty grocery store chickens, but will have a great "chicken" flavor, and will be delicious! Just remember to rest them a few days in the fridge, and cook them on a low heat until they reach the correct internal temp
as we say around here... when you start to crow, you got to go!
we send 'em to glory when they either flog me for the first time, annoy the hens, or just look nice and plump. if they are mixes you wont get the huge breasts like you will with the meaties... but they will make a nice meal, great stock, and oh the noodles....