Capons should be ready for slaughter at 4-½ to 6 months of age, though they can get even older (and larger) and remain tender.

How old is a capon when slaughtered?

Capons are roosters that are castrated when they are very young, around 3 weeks old. The EU definition is: “male fowl castrated surgically before reaching sexual maturity and slaughtered at a minimum age of 140 days; after castration the capons must be fattened for at least 77 days.”

What age do you butcher chickens?

The chicks take three to four months to reach a good size, and can be butchered as late as 8 months old. After that, they tend to get tough. Many people choose Cornish Cross Hybrids for their meat birds. These birds have been genetically bred to eat, grow and put on weight fast.