[PaulJill]

Hi, we have been given some unwanted cockerels which we are going to bring on for the table. Up to now we have only had hens for the eggs and fed them on layers pellets with a handful of corn every day. What should we feed these on to get the best taste and also putting weight on. Although taste is more important. We are not in a rush so can give them plenty of time. Your advise please, thank you Paul & Jill. 

[Marches Farmer]

Do you know their age, breed and what they've been fed so far?  If one of the old UK breeds like Sussex or Dorking they'll be utility birds, so should flesh out quite well over about 14 weeks.  Older than that they could start to become quite tough and need slow cooking rather than roasting. 

[macgro7]

Yup depends on age. If young I would keep feeding growers pellets and for the last two weeks or so feed either finishing pellets (although I never tried) or mix of oats, wheat and corn.

[Dans]

We feed growers to the cockerels up until about 20 weeks, possibly longer depending on what else is going on. Definitely give them time to rest before freezing/cooking though. The first batch we did plucking took forever  and then gutting after that so they sat for a good long while before freezing. Both made delicious roasts. The second lot we did I used the hot water method to aid in plucking and got them processed a lot quicker but the leg meat is like old boots (breast has been ok though so far). I've now picked up a tall fridge from freecycle that we will hang chickens in before freezing.

Good luck

Dans