The FR's we raised in the spring I left as whole carcasses. However, I've learned our freezer is HIGHLY efficient - it takes 2+ days for the birds to thaw in the fridge! Must plan dinners carefully with this type of situation!
Consequently, I'm going to quarter and possibly de-bone the CX we're raising now. This way, if I want to create a faster chicken dinner, it'll be ready when the inspiration is! The whole birds are great for roasting and taking to larger gatherings (we have weekly fellowship at church) - but I find we don't really eat roast chicken as a family. Now, chicken fingers; chicken & dumplings; garlic-lemon grilled chicken - yes, those we eat as a family! But for those, I need chicken pieces - not whole.
Yes, I've thawed a chicken, quartered it or deboned it and used it for the above for family. Somehow, it just seems a bit more like work to me.
And the broth freezes for soup so very well! I'm actually looking forward to the first family cold this season! Homemade goodies!