when is best to cull !

[maxi&les2017]

hi thanks for taking the tie to read my post first of all i am new to chickens we had 8 2 days ago now we have 19 haha we have a mixed set silkies, leghorn, legbar, maran ,O.E.G all about 6 months give or take and pekin at 7 weeks old we have 4 boys some meat birds some we want to keep unsure as of what yet ! anyway when is best to cull a bird and when is it too late to cull a bird ? also do female legbar or leghorn have spurs on there feet ?? last question can chickens eat waxworms ? thanks in advance xoxo maxi&les2017

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

I'm doing this from memory so I might be a little off but here are various ages.
6-12 Weeks = Broiler Tender and virtually any cooking method works
12-14 Weeks = Fryer, a bit tougher but still can be cooked with high heat
14 weeks - 6 months = Roaster. Cook in a covered roasting pan with stock low and slow
6 Months & Beyond = Stewing bird. Good for ground chicken or chicken and dumplings.

wax worms are fine, limit treats to no more than 10% of their diet.

 

[RUNuts]

I agree with rjohns39.

To more directly answer your question, what is your goal?
Annoying birds should be culled immediately.
Cockerels (see annoying birds) when they are as big as you want.
Cornish cross meat birds are at 8 weeks +/- a couple for best return on investment and before their health degrades.
Dual Purpose birds generally harvested 16-24 weeks for meat. Depends on your schedule and size you want.

Medications and illness changes everything.

I hope that clears things up. If not, post another question.

 

[Parront]

I agree with rjohns. It depends on how you want to cook them.
Never too late to cull a bird! If you do not like a cockerel, and he weighs over 2 pounds, cull him. A one pound dressed bird, split in half is nice on the BBQ. Feeds 2 people, a little bony, but tasty like BBQ should be.

 

[maxi&les2017]

Hi all and thank you for then replays we got them first just for eggs now we want them for meat birds for ourselves and eggs for family and friends thank you R.Jones for that too