When should I knock off my cockrels?

[thomashton]

I got 25 chickens this year. They are about 4 months old now and a few (3 or so) are showing cockrel behavior (crowing, fighting, jumping on pullets etc.).

When should I take these babies down? My wife doesn't want them, just the pullets for the eggs.

[randydrivesabus]

the longer you wait the tougher the meat and the greater number of fights....which can be entertaining.
if they are small they are called fryers...lop off some heads.

[Brian D. Bray]

Most fryers are butchered at 15-18 weeks.  Your cockerals sound ready.