When to butcher or sell a rooster

[Corinnescoop]

Hey I'm and still very new to the chicken world but I have ran into a question I don't know where to get the answer. I have a total of 9 chickens and three of them I think might be roosters. One reason is that they puff up thier neck feathers and fight, every time they lock eyes at eachother. Second, they have little spurs on their legs. They were raised together, but still fight all the time.

My questions are; If I choose to eat them at what age should I do so? If I choose to sell them should I do it asap, or should I wait till I know for sure they are roosters?

 

[sourland]

All chickens are born with spur bumps. In cockerels they eventually become spurs, but in pullets/hens they usually do not develop. Both pullets and cockerels will flare hackles and play fight. It's part of setting their pecking order. As cockerels mature these confrontations can become more serious. Once crowing ensues or rooster specific feathering appears you will know whether or not they are male. Posting pictures on site will lead to others helping you. Young cockerels may be processed for fryers once they are large enough or they may be allowed to mature into roasters.

 

[song of joy]

I've found that cockerels are difficult to give away, let alone sell. I usually cull them around 15 to 18 weeks of age. The dual purpose breeds won't have much meat on them, but it will still be tender at that age.

 

[Corinnescoop]

Ok thank you!! How will I know it is serious? They are antibiotic feed now when should I switch them?

 

[aart]

Ok thank you!! How will I know it is serious? They are antibiotic feed now when should I switch them?

Welcome to BYC!
How old are these birds?
What breed?
Most males can be ID'd by 5-6 weeks.
Pics of birds would help.
I eat extra cockerels by 16 weeks...still tender enough for the grill and before they start making trouble.

 

[Mrs. K]

You are being proactive by planning now, and your pullets will thank you later. If you can sell them start as soon as you are sure. If you can't sell them, come up with a way to separate them if needed. A 4-5 foot handle fish net can be used to catch a rooster.

I have had chickens for 10 years, and if I ever think, "Hmmm maybe that is a rooster... I am almost always right, however, I have often thought, oh please be a pullet, and been wrong. Once not too many years ago, I did not catch on that she was a he, until he crowed. It can be hard even with some experience.

Send some pictures, but I am betting you are right. Check their combs, are they bright red? That is another good sign, or if the are significantly taller. Nothing fool proof, we have all been wrong, but I would not be surprised if you are right.

 

[lazy gardener]

Most likely they are on medicated feed. The medication is Amprolium which shouldn't affect your ability to eat them. If you sell or give them away, be sure to tell the person taking them that they are still on medicated feed.

 

[Corinnescoop]

Ok thank you everyone you are a huge help! When I get home from work I'll try and snap some photos

 

[Corinnescoop]

The two that keep fighting were born on may 22. They grew up together. Here are some pics of them...

 

[aart]

Check the tags on the feed to see what the 'medication' is.
It's probably Amprolium, but it's always best to check for sure.

They both appear to be males.