Raising Roosters for Meat

The infamous rooster has a bad reputation, but they are invaluable not just for flock protection, but also for fertilizing eggs and as a source of meat. Here at Meyer Hatchery, we offer the Fry Pan Bargain. This is an all-male assortment from our heaviest dual-purpose breeds. You can expect 6-8 lbs of live weight at the time of processing. 

Housing Roosters

Keeping a group of roosters together is no different than raising other types of meat birds. You can house them in Bachelor Tractors or free-range in a field. Allowing the chickens to forage for other treats helps to lower feed costs. If you have a wooded area, consider raising them there. The trees create a natural canopy to protect from the weather, sun, and aerial predators. The forest floor keeps them occupied as they do what chickens do: scratch and eat!

Feeding Roosters

Roosters will require different protein percentages as they grow:

• Hatch – 8 Weeks: 26-28% protein
• 8 weeks – 12 Weeks: 22-24% protein
• 12 weeks – Process: 18-20% protein 

Depending on their activity level, each rooster will require about ⅓ pound of feed per day, up to 2 pounds per week. 

Processing Time

It is recommended to butcher at around 16-20 weeks of age. They have a rich flavor, but using the right cooking method is ideal. Crock Pot, pressure cooker, or a slow braise. They are great for soups, stews, shredded sandwiches, and let’s not forget chicken stock! 

Raising roosters for meat is an economical way to add meat or make bone broth. Yes, they take longer to finish, but slower-growing birds allow for more flavor development in the meat. If you are new to raising birds, be sure to check out Raising Meat Birds: A Guide To Getting Started