When to rehome roosters?

[mindy_marvelmom]

My chickens are about to 7 weeks old, and it seems pretty certain that I’ve got a couple of cockerels. I’m about to start integration with my somewhat older girls and wondering if I should rehome the roosters now or wait a little while. I do have a couple of places that have said they can take them. Just don’t know enough to know if it is easier on the little guys sooner or later.

 

[Kirkwooder]

They eat everyday! Do it yesterday, unless you are raising them for meat, then wait for them to fill out, (12-16 weeks for heavy breeds.)

 

[BlueBaby]

Since you have someone that is willing to take the boy's, do it as soon as possible.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Yes, move them on whenever you have a place for them, if you aren't keeping them.
Mary

 

[JacinLarkwell]

The sooner the better, unless you're waiting to see how They grow out to pick a flock master or backup.

That second one is cure rhough

 

[gimmie birdies]

Roosters bump hens out of the way (food) growing up.

 

[EmmaRainboe]

If you have no plans to keep them and have a place that will take them I say sooner the better.

 

[RUNuts]

Agree. Sooner the better. Around 12 weeks the boys will start the hormone drive and some get aggressive to the pullets and some to you. If you wish to miss all this drama, now is the time. This will lower your feed bill and let the remaining members sort through the pecking order with integration and more room for the rest of the flock.

I'll grow the boys out to first crow and the more aggressive ones are the first ones to go. They are easy to identify.

 

[Ridgerunner]

At seven weeks those are both boys.

I agree with everyone else. I see no benefit to keep them any longer than you have to if you know you are getting rid of them.