Wednesday, July 1, 2020

No Boys Allowed - Roosters

People, in general, do not want roosters. Sometimes it's because they live in an area where roosters aren't allowed. Sometimes it's because they already have a rooster and two means fighting and lots of it.
Most of the time, they only want hens who will supply them with eggs.

That's really influenced my decision to raise few silkies. Most Americans don't eat them, though in some countries they are used medicinally or even as a delicacy.
That means disposing of 90% of all the boys you hatch and there usually seems to be more males than females. Often, you can't even give roosters away free and find homes for them all. Some breeders refuse to sell hens only, they require people to take a rooster also, or no sale.

I'm focusing more on my other breeds which although rare, can easily be utilized as a dual purpose breed..able to be used for meat and eggs.
They take longer to mature than other breeds but nevertheless can eventually feed your family.

The truth being what it is regarding roosters, pullets and hens come at a higher price, especially if you want them laying or close to point of lay(POL.)

All of my unsold males will be sent off to freezer camp come Fall. Orpingtons make nice table birds as well as being good layers. I won't force anyone to take an unwanted rooster, but again, that's part of the reason why hens cost more.





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