Which one doesn't go in the freezer?

[DeerHeartRanch]

Butchering roosters today. I'm going to keep one with 17 hens. How do I know which one to keep?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Keep one that is the same breed as most of the hens, most representative of the breed, the least human aggressive, the most watchful for predators, perhaps one of the largest as well.

Depending on the breed, with 17 hens, all the eggs may not be fertile.

 

[DeerHeartRanch]

I only want eggs- so not really needing them fertile.

 

[lazy gardener]

What breeds do you have for hens/pullets, and what breeds are the roosters? Do you think you might EVER want to hatch some eggs?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Then go for a breed that is a good protector or the bird that seems to stand watch while the hens eat and a big boy.

 

[DeerHeartRanch]

The pullets & hens are mostly ambers, a couple golden buffs, a barred rock, some red sex links, & some black stars. I think that's it. The only roosters we have are mostly ambers & a couple barred rock. Maybe someday hatch our own chicks, but not right now.