[bedifferent]

I know i have alot of questions but i have alot to learn and want to do the right thing by my chooks.

Just a quick one about welsummer and light sussex cocks.

If i want to raise a few for the pot then if i kill the cocks just as they start to crow is that also the right time to kill for the table. The problem is that i can't have cockerels shouting there heads off all the time where i live.

Thanks

[Bodger]

Forget the crowing, you kill them on how they feel. If they feel as though they have enough meat on them, kill and dress one and see how it turns out, its the only way that you'll learn.
If when you pick one up, it feels like its all skin and bone, then thats how the carcasse will be, so feed them some more and keep them longer.

[bedifferent]

thanks Bodger - sounds like good advice. I suppose that there is going to be a certain amount of trial and error in this.

[jonny1982]

You wont be to far off killing them when or just before they start crowing. They should be ready when they are mature from 6 months old onwards which is were abouts they start crowing. I know somone who had a light sussex cockerel he started crowing at about 6 - 7 months and he looked ready for the pot.