Can you eat a standard game bird? About to start processing this A.M.

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

I have several game chickens running around my yard that adopted us. I don't want them breeding my chickens and I have been unsuccessful in giving them away. I hate to just "waste" the meat if it is edible. SO, how do they compare to a standard chicken or is it worth my time?

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

They will make a very tasty soup or stew. They are not going to be tender for just eating fried as they will have very well used muscles. Best to skin them IMO as feathers will be well developed and had to pluck. That will save you lots of time.

You can look up coq de vin if you want to try baking one. Rooster slow cooked in wine, it's good.

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

Thank you! That is what I needed to know..

 

[TimG]

I think you mean "coq au vin" and it is braised.

Another option for older or tougher birds is dog food. No cooking required, they won't mind a few feathers, and it is generally very good for them bones and all.

 

[dancingbear]

Well developed feathers are actually easier to pluck, you don't get a lot of tiny pin feathers. They'll be great cooked in a crock pot, the meat would be graet in tacos, burritos, or whatever. I do it all the time. You can eat ANY chicken.