[Roxy]

Preferably large breeds, under a year old.

I usually have numerous cockerels, but have had to disappoint the man who takes them.  He has asked me if I know of any.  Think he will take as many as he can get - oh, and he does not expect them for free.  He is in the Manchester area, so will collect from not to far from there I assume.

[Eve]

Why does he want them?

[devonlady]

  You're not thinking................ I used to have all surplus cockerels from someone to feed our large extended family, even a banty cockerel will make a meal for two or three in a casserole or such plus soup from the bones.

[Womble]

Preferably large breeds, under a year old.

You're not thinking................

Probably not, and we mustn't cast aspersions.

However, there are people out there who will abuse animals, be that for cock or dog fighting or just through plain neglect, so it's important that none of us are naïve about this!

[devonlady]

 You're right, Womble. Anyone in South Devon with surplus cockerels, wing them my way, I will keep them for a few weeks on free range(ish) corn them up and give them a kind end.

[Roxy]

I have known this man quite a while!!  When he first approached me for cockerels we had the cock fighting conversation.  He supplies all the local restaurants with their free range chickens.  He was very up front, and told me to contact the local abbatoir he uses to confirm the birds are killed humanely.  I do not have a problem with the cockerels being eaten - but am certainly not going to let them go for cock fighting.

[Victorian Farmer]

It would be good for some one to have all surplase cockrals a waste

[milly molly]

marsh poultry in carlisle, culls thousands of young cock birds,if the chap would rear them for couple of months could be worthwhile

[Stereo]

I wonder how this chap can guarantee that none of the birds have had anything which would make them unsuitable for eating. Or that none are still in a withdrawl period for certain meds.

[devonlady]

I dare say he would have to keep them for a fair few weeks to fatten them up.

[Roxy]

Will mention the place in Carlisle to him.

All the free range cockerels he has had from me, have led a good organic life, and have all been fat enough to go straight in to be killed.  That's why he keeps calling me.  Had a disastrous year with non hatchings, and non broody hens, so he has been very disappointed.

[Kimbo]

Ive PMd you Roxy

[Eve]

A white silkie cockerel, shame you're not closer to me.


I live in the expensive home counties and even here it only costs £13-14 to have a bird euthanised by the vet. If you're going to drive somewhere to drop a bird off it may not turn out much cheaper in fuel? Just thinking.

[harmony]

Preferably large breeds, under a year old.

You're not thinking................

Probably not, and we mustn't cast aspersions.

However, there are people out there who will abuse animals, be that for cock or dog fighting or just through plain neglect, so it's important that none of us are naïve about this!

I think fighting cocks are certain breeds bred for just that

[landroverroy]

I think fighting cocks are certain breeds bred for just that

Exactly!! They are completely different. I got given a trio from some travellers. Lovely little birds; but the cockerel nearly left a hole in my hand when I picked him up unsuspectingly. And he would have made mincemeat of a cockerel twice his size. Unfortunately the fox got him. (Probably a one eyed fox now.)