When is it best to cull?

vortec

Songster
10 Years
Jan 29, 2009
529
2
139
Martin County, NC
I have several Cornish roos that are soon to be culled as they grow to the 8 week mark. However, I have a lot of other breeds of roos that I am planning to cull as soon as it is possible as I am not looking to breed. So does anybody have any insight on when is the best time to cull the following breeds:

Barred Rocks
Buff Orps
Rhode Island Reds
Light Brahmas
Australorp
Black Jersey Giant

vortec
 
We butchered a dozen barred rocks at 18 weeks old. They dressed out between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. I think they'll still be tender and good, but we haven't tasted them yet. I canned them in quart jars, and 6 chickens fit in 7 jars. So they're weren't hugely meaty, but they were adequate.
 
Now about how much bigger will the cornish x dress out then the barred rocks, etc? Is 8 weeks appropriate, or is waiting another week or two worth it. I know each day makes a difference when they are little but I have never raised to slaughter chickens so I don't know when it is best. Thanks

vortec
 
We like to do ours between 16-20 weeks. Carcasses are usually around 3 lb - give or take a 1/4 on any single bird.

The most recent ones we did at 19 weeks were very tender. No slow cooking required. We've fried them, grilled, stir-fry, etc - not a single tough bite!

ETA: They were mostly Black Australorps + an EE, a NH Red.
 
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