How to get rid of roosters?

[Joeschooks]

I did a post on this the other day. Lots of responses, do check it out https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-do-you-do-with-your-roosters.1220817/

 

[lazy gardener]

I have a friend who stocks her larder with free birds every fall. And she is honest about the intent for all of the birds she takes. Folks are getting rid of her old hens. She takes them. Extra cockerels. She takes them. These birds are fattened up with lots of free range and FF. Most likely, their fattening up days are the most peaceful, most enjoyable days of their lives. Then, she gets a year's worth of free meat.

 

[BantyChooks]

Roosters are really good in chili.

If you don't want to do that, you can give them away... if you are lucky, anyway. I can't anymore, the market flooded. They'll still end up in a stew pot but at least you can escape the inevitable in your own mind. I have managed to get a few roosters in a pet home, and I even got updates on them, but believe me... that is rare.

Whatever you do please don't abandon them or leave them out for the predators. That is a gory and inhumane way out for the bird and not responsible. By hatching, you are pledging to guard the welfare of these birds and end their life humanely when needed, or sell them to someone who will do the same, at least to the best of your knowledge.

Another option would be sending them out to someone that will do the dirty work for you.

 

[BantyChooks]

I have a friend who stocks her larder with free birds every fall. And she is honest about the intent for all of the birds she takes. Folks are getting rid of her old hens. She takes them. Extra cockerels. She takes them. These birds are fattened up with lots of free range and FF. Most likely, their fattening up days are the most peaceful, most enjoyable days of their lives. Then, she gets a year's worth of free meat.

I thought of doing that, but the biosecurity aspect worried me.

 

[lazy gardener]

Yeah, that's not my cup of tea either, but... not an issue for this gal. She has faith in the immune system of her flock. Has never had an issue with disease. Gives them all a good dusting, and keeps them penned for a bit, then they are out to range with her regulars.

 

[Molpet]

I hatch for the freezer so I want cockerels.. I have been keeping all the pullets and I am going to HAVE sell some.. probable will lose money on them but I just can't put a good pullet in the freezer

 

[lazy gardener]

I sell extra pullets also, and it is NOT a money maker. But, I simply refuse to eat a bird who has good laying potential. I'd rather "give her away" to some one with a legit need (who demonstrates that they understand how to care for a bird) than eat them.

 

[ajwhite]

How do you know if your eggs are fertilized and do you eat them?

 

[Molpet]

How do you know if your eggs are fertilized and do you eat them?

yep I eat them.. look for a bullseye on the yolk

 

[ajwhite]

yep I eat them.. look for a bullseye on the yolk

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Thank you!!