[Tom's mum]

Thanks Muntjac.  Would he make a decent meal?  Even if I can't eat him could someone else?  This one is Black Beauty-dont ask!!!  He is beautiful. it'll break my heart to get rid of them  :cry:

[muntjac]

how old is it? best meat is on the snd year cockerals with isolation n loads feed n treats

[Tom's mum]

The 3 of them are 21 weeks old-so no good to eat yet then?  Just have the 3 cocks-no hens, but it is hens + eggs that I really want.  Presume when u say isolation you mean no female distractions?!

[muntjac]

yups ,, they wont chase around then lol if you  have 3 cockerals just fattem them on and cull at 18 mnth .plenty maize n wheat etc .lay down some meat  

[Tom's mum]

So...in theory, then, they'll be perfect for next year's Christmas dinner x 3.  They get ad lib growers pellets, mixed corn, cabbage and apples and have still wrecked the garden for plump and juicy worms.  think I'll try moving them down the side of the house then it may block some of the volume early in the morning (for that read middle of the b****y night!)

Munty, you've given me hope-will try to keep them another year.  Hold on, I wanted eggs.   :?   Can't make up my nind what to do with them, so will do nothing unless a neighbour complains!

[muntjac]

if you want eggs .... eat em at Christmas ,, buy new pols for a pressy for yaself loolo  

[Tom's mum]

if you want eggs .... eat em at Christmas ,, buy new pols for a pressy for yaself loolo  

OH will love you when I tell him  

[muntjac]

if you want eggs .... eat em at Christmas ,, buy new pols for a pressy for yaself loolo  

OH will love you when I tell him  

 so long as he doesnt try to show it im happpy  :oops:

[GrannieAnnie]

Brian said won't they be a bit tough at 18 months Munty?

[muntjac]

Brian said won't they be a bit tough at 18 months Munty?

 only if ya roast em before steaming them

[GrannieAnnie]

Oh right, I'll tell him!!!!   Tks Munty!

[muntjac]

steaming them first retains all moisture n actually really plumps them up ,,,, then cover with a bit bacon bard , n only roast till the skin is how you like it .about 30 mins is how i like it on a high heat   same with pheasants for those who dont like it dry

[Tom's mum]

OH will love you when I tell him  [/quote]

 so long as he doesnt try to show it im happpy  :oops:[/quote]

No chance, mate, he's from Yorkshire!!!  

So, the best meat is from 18mth old birds but they need to be steamed 1st.  When is it OK to just roast a bird without steaming it 1st-how old?