When to process the roos??

[Doormantnt]

I had a successful hatch (14 of 17) from a barnyard flock, mostly Dominique genes. The hatch was first week of april so birds are bout 2mths old, and I'm seeing a whole lot of roosters. Don't want, or need them with my small existing flock of 5, and what ever hens remain out of that hatch. So they gotta go. I have no problem with the processing part, as I am an avid hunter, and outdoorsmen, and familiar with where my food comes from. I'm just not sure when to process. They still feel pretty bony to me.

Should I seperate out known roos (approx 8 now) and switch feed to something else. They are all on start and grow, and what ever treats the laying flock get.

Thanks for the insight.

TNT

 

[MarinMama]

i'd love to know this as well...have 7 week olds and they do not seem that meaty.

 

[Doormantnt]

I know there is alot more knowledge on here....Any ideas????

Thanks

TNT

 

[Mrs. K]

Well last summer I did my first batch, they were a barnyard mix too, but mostly barred rocks, I think. Anyway I did them at about 4.5 months. They were a bit small, however, their hen counter parts never grew into a big bird. They tasted great, but did not have a lot of fat on them. Mine were tougher than store bought, but not objectionably, and that is because they did free range so much.

I was running out of space, as they were all getting bigger, and as winter comes on I need to lock them up more due to predators.

MrsK

 

[Doormantnt]

Ok, so still have a couple months of puttin up with the roos. Should I try to seperate from the hens and feed anything different?? Thinking of some better finishing feed then start and grow (unmedicated).

Thanks.

TNT

 

[Mrs. K]

Also, you might check out the meaty bird section.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I don't go any more than 20 weeks. If you do, slow cook them.