When do Roos start...

[LivingLocal]

....cock-a-doodle-doing?

I'm looking at getting 12 unsexed white Dorkings and would like to use the males for meat birds. Though I don't want them to get to the noisy point!

Any input?

 

[katrinag]

I have some that tried to crow at 9 weeks, I have also had some wait to well over 20 weeks to crow.

If you post pics we can help you sex them

 

[cmom]

Mine was a late bloomer. Please post some pics.

 

[Jennyhaschicks]

Quote:
This is the same with me. Some are early and some are not.

 

[LivingLocal]

I've not purchased them as of yet, but this is where I'll be buying from (local to me)
http://www.yellowhousefarmnh.com/content/508

So with a pickup date of either 4/18 or 5/9. How old should they be before preparing for a yummy meal? Would I have any hen/roo issues? Risk of chicks?

(totally new to this so thanks for the input!)

 

[katrinag]

They only way for babies is to have a broody hen or incubate them.
Depending on what you get I would wait till about 20 weeks or so. You are the best judge of size. Keep in mind that they will still be onthe small side and would make wonderful stew chicken. Soup, pot pie, etc....

If it was me I would pick up ASAP. I have 26 chickes coming shipped to me all pullet for $86.00 there price seem kinda high for straight run. JMO

 

[LivingLocal]

From my meager understanding, white Dorkings are a very rare heritage breed. I don't want composite breed chickens, I prefer heritage breed. So I guess this is where the increased price is coming from.

I guess I don't know much about pricing. This farm sells their frozen Dorking meat birds for $5.50/lb and their Dorking/Ancona eggs for $5 dozen. I just know they are very well taken care of birds.

 

[katrinag]

That's cool, I was not knocking. Just saying.

 

[LivingLocal]

I understand, maybe I came off the wrong way. Sorry if I did. I'm new to all this chicken husbanding so I'm facing a steep learning curve!

 

[katrinag]

No at all. I just did not want you to think that I was being rude.