BYC Cookbook

[redinator]

I wasn't sure where else to put this question.

I've been browsing the BYC Store and came across the cookbook. I saw a few of the excepts, but I can't help but wonder if it has information on culling and processing chickens, especially roosters/cockerels. Also does it contain information on how to properly cook them?

If not it might be an interesting project/contest to put together some 'companion guide to processing (insert various animals here)' that can be sold in the store.

The last cockerel I processed endup being very tough; and figuring out what I was looking at in the moment was a bit daunting. I got great information in the forums when I asked about the process, but it would've been helpful to have something in the yard with me, that had pictures (preferably laminated), while I was doing the deed.

I'm still going to buy the cookbook either way, but it'd be nice to know what to expect before I purchase it.

@casportpony @oldhenlikesdogs @DuckLady

ETA: I realize I could've pulled up the information on a laptop or my phone, but who wants to handle electronics when they're wrist deep in a bird?

 

[GreenJay]

I wasn't sure where else to put this question.

I've been browsing the BYC Store and came across the cookbook. I saw a few of the excepts, but I can't help but wonder if it has information on culling and processing chickens, especially roosters/cockerels. Also does it contain information on how to properly cook them?

If not it might be an interesting project/contest to put together some 'companion guide to processing (insert various animals here)' that can be sold in the store.

The last cockerel I processed endup being very tough; and figuring out what I was looking at in the moment was a bit daunting. I got great information in the forums when I asked about the process, but it would've been helpful to have something in the yard with me, that had pictures (preferably laminated), while I was doing the deed.

I'm still going to buy the cookbook either way, but it'd be nice to know what to expect before I purchase it.

@casportpony @oldhenlikesdogs @DuckLady

ETA: I realize I could've pulled up the information on a laptop or my phone, but who wants to handle electronics when they're wrist deep in a bird?

I have the cookbook, just recipes and general cooking info tips, nothing about processing birds (or other critters).

I just ran across this thread by stormcrow about cooking older (and younger) birds after processing, letting them rest etc, maybe some info there to help to not have a tough chicken dinner.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-cooking-tips-from-an-old-bird.1626833/

 

[redinator]

I have the cookbook, just recipes and general cooking info tips, nothing about processing birds (or other critters).

I just ran across this thread by stormcrow about cooking older (and younger) birds after processing, letting them rest etc, maybe some info there to help to not have a tough chicken dinner.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-cooking-tips-from-an-old-bird.1626833/

Thanks I bookmarked it, but I'm hoping for something I can use during the process. I'm imagining laminated flip cards on keyring . . ?

I might go through the threads on processing and make cheat sheets . . .

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The last cockerel I processed endup being very tough

Sorry to hear. Did you age it several days in the fridge before cooking?

 

[redinator]

Sorry to hear. Did you age it several days in the fridge before cooking?

2.5 to 3 days . . .I was worried it would spoil if I left it any longer.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

2.5 to 3 days . . .I was worried it would spoil if I left it any longer.

Nah, I usually leave mine 3 full days minimum, 4 is better. Then how did you cook it, what breed was it and how old was it? These things matter! For me, if it's a dual purpose bird, once they start to crow, they seem to start to toughen up a bit IMO, so they're going to be dumplings or some kind of soup. Chicken with rice, chicken "noodoo," chicken vegge or whatever.

 

[redinator]

Nah, I usually leave mine 3 full days minimum, 4 is better. Then how did you cook it, what breed was it and how old was it? These things matter! For me, if it's a dual purpose bird, once they start to crow, they seem to start to toughen up a bit IMO, so they're going to be dumplings or some kind of soup. Chicken with rice, chicken "noodoo," chicken vegge or whatever.

He was a barnyard mix that became aggressive after a broody had chicks in the yard. He was roughly 7 months old give or take a week.

I put him in a pot and roasted him for several hours (5-6) on low heat, I guess broiled would be the more appropriate term since I filled the roaster with water. The breast meat came out good, but the legs were like jerky.

Next time I'll likely remove the legs and wings and cook those separately. I bought a crock pot since then and I have another aggressive cockerel in the yard that is asking to be stew, I'm just waiting for the holiday craziness to be done so I can deal with him.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I often put mine in the crock pot. Works well!

 

[FunClucks]

Good luck, I hope it works. I'm not super brave, so anything over 5 months I pressure cook it. Tender birds every time.

There are other ways, that's just what works for me.

When you process, the USDA say commercial folks must lower temp of carcass to 40F within 4-8 hrs after slaughter (depending on body weight). In practice, I've kept my processed chicken in my fridge for up to 10 days before cooking and it was still good. I meant to do 7 days and lost track. I've had birds that took 5 days to get past rigor mortis. When the leg or wing joint moves easily, you know it's done aging.

 

[redinator]

@BigBlueHen53 have you ever culled then froze a bird to process at a later date?

Culling and plucking by hand takes a significant amount of time and this time of year it seems unlikely I'd get around to processing before the sun goes down. I tend to put off culling until I have a full day to dedicate to the whole process. I'm sure with experience it'll require less time. If I end up processing the majority of my cockerels from hatches I'll invest in a plucker, but so far I've managed to rehome them.