When to get rid of the roo

[Ajulycc]

Ok when we got our flock of females one roo snuck in. We don’t want to breed and these are barred rocks, so dual purpose. The plan is to cull the roo. But how do you know when? I don’t want a surprise when we finally start to get eggs. But I want to allow enough time for good growth. Any feedback will be welcomed

 

[bruceha2000]

I have no personal knowledge and hopefully others will chime in but I would want to wait until it is maybe 8 pounds or so. That would be in the range of full size.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

@Ivy Love should know

 

[keesmom]

I assume these are hatchery birds? He will never reach the heavier weight of breeder Rocks, so when to butcher depends on how you want to cook him. Processing at 13-16 weeks you'll still be able to grill or fry, and dressed weight may be around 2.5-3 lbs. Any later then it's crockpot time. I like to have both on hand in the freezer. Can't beat the stock you can get from 20+ week old birds.

 

[chickendreams24]

I have no personal knowledge and hopefully others will chime in but I would want to wait until it is maybe 8 pounds or so. That would be in the range of full size.

I assume these are hatchery birds? He will never reach the heavier weight of breeder Rocks, so when to butcher depends on how you want to cook him. Processing at 13-16 weeks you'll still be able to grill or fry, and dressed weight may be around 2.5-3 lbs. Any later then it's crockpot time. I like to have both on hand in the freezer. Can't beat the stock you can get from 20+ week old birds.

X2 hatchery stock is almost never going to get as big as heritage stock. They're just not built the same as hatcheries focus on laying ability.

That being said I agree with the time frame but we have processed as late as 18 months and they've still been delicious and tender when cooked correctly.

Now as to your "surprise" you're worried about.

As long as you guys collect the eggs regularly say every day you will never find a chick in your eggs. Rooster(s) in the flock do not make the eggs inedible and the eggs will not turn into chicks unless incubated. It takes approximately 2-3 days of incubation for any noticable development to occur.

Roosters also do not increase the chance of a blood spot/meat spot in the eggs which is a normal part of chicken keeping. Some hens can be prone to laying these eggs but generally in my experience it's a rare occurrence.

 

[cppeace]

Yep, I personally would aim for 15-16 weeks.

 

[Ajulycc]

Thank you all!!!!

 

[Chickie pants]

I like having a rooster around, but sometimes they get aggressive. I had a great Jersey black giant rooster I was sad when a stray dog killed him. Maybe give him a chance before you put him in the pot.

 

[Ajulycc]

He thus far has been a great roo, he can be a bit aggressive when ever I have a bit a bread in my hand but he has simmered down and is much more gentle. He has some time now that I understand the basics a bit more lol.