I know of a 4H gal who threw a hissy fit because one of the roosters at her school died over the weekend so "they" just threw the carcass out in the desert. She proceeded to retrieve the body, dig a grave, and even made a little tombstone for it out of river rock, complete with a painted likeness of the bird. I don't want to minimize anyone's sadness or pain over the loss of an animal they like, but I did refute her condemnation of others in her class who found her actions to be unnecessary and excessive. Not everyone needs an entire memorial for every farm death. I've lost some birds I was very attached too and still managed to carry them out into the desert to help complete the circle of life, and I DON'T tolerate being condemned for it.
One of the more 'entertaining' discussions I sometimes have with people is an explanation of what the modern Cornish Cross chicken they find in the grocery store is really like, and what the lives of those birds are like. Then I talk about my slow-growing heritage and 'traditional' birds that roam freely about the yards, eat bugs and grasses, and enjoy themselves thoroughly right up to butchering day. Watching their facial expressions transform from shock to horror over what they've been buying. And then these people who think so little of me for killing my own birds ALWAYS ask, "So...can I buy meat from you?". Funny how a little knowledge and perspective can change their minds so dramatically in such a short period of time.
As far as chicken feet are concerned.....I find them to be invaluable. I ALWAYS use them (and sometimes the cock's combs) in making my bone broth as they add a significant amount of life improving gelatin. I have a few people, including a woman currently fighting cancer, who get bone broth from me because of its incredible health benefits and easy digestibility. If you've never tried it before, I would urge you to do so. I attribute the rapidity of my recovery from surgery to consuming bone broth on a daily basis starting the day after surgery.
One of the more 'entertaining' discussions I sometimes have with people is an explanation of what the modern Cornish Cross chicken they find in the grocery store is really like, and what the lives of those birds are like. Then I talk about my slow-growing heritage and 'traditional' birds that roam freely about the yards, eat bugs and grasses, and enjoy themselves thoroughly right up to butchering day. Watching their facial expressions transform from shock to horror over what they've been buying. And then these people who think so little of me for killing my own birds ALWAYS ask, "So...can I buy meat from you?". Funny how a little knowledge and perspective can change their minds so dramatically in such a short period of time.
As far as chicken feet are concerned.....I find them to be invaluable. I ALWAYS use them (and sometimes the cock's combs) in making my bone broth as they add a significant amount of life improving gelatin. I have a few people, including a woman currently fighting cancer, who get bone broth from me because of its incredible health benefits and easy digestibility. If you've never tried it before, I would urge you to do so. I attribute the rapidity of my recovery from surgery to consuming bone broth on a daily basis starting the day after surgery.
