Chicken Stock

[kalbano]

From what I have read roosters need to be butchered at a young age before they show as roosters. If so, how can you tell the males from the females? What is the age of your roosters that you used for stock? I have 25 straight run rhode island reds, buff orpington, lakenvelders and red caps from murray mcmurray's. They are 6 weeks old and I would like to process the males. If I can wait until they are full grown roosters to make stock then I can figure it out but if I want to roast, grill or broil them I am at a loss. Thanks!

 

[MissPrissy]

By 12 weeks you will know a rooster. You should process a regular - non-broiler type cockeral between 12 & 16 weeks too keep them tender.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Re-reading and drooling.....

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

Perfect timing for this post to resurface - thanks!!! Miss P, when I butchered my chickens last week, I left some whole and cut the others into pieces parts. I saved and packaged separately all the necks, backs and feet for soup/stock. I've only ever made soup from store bought chickens and it is always weak and flavorless, and I'm sure part of the reason is I never add enough "stuff".

This time I want to do it right, so please help me figure out the parts to water ratio. I have 13 necks, 5 backs, and 26 feet. If I only used these, how much water? Or would it be better to cook a whole chicken and add some of these parts in a big canning pot?

I'm afraid to waste and I'm afraid to have weak stock so please help. Thanks!

Cindy

 

[Gloria]

This thread sounds so yummy! I can't wait to roast my chicken today so I can make stock tonight! No more buying that stuff at the store.

Miss P, what about Ball canning jars from probably 20 years ago? Can those go in the freezer too? Yes they really are about that old. lol

 

[MissPrissy]

The jars should be fine. They are tempered glass.

 

[Gloria]

Great, thanks Miss Prissy!

 

[ozark hen]

Got to tell this story. We went to the neighbor's for turkey dinner and when he finished carving the turkey he threw the bones in the trash! I tell you it was all I could do to keep from begging for those bones to roast and make stock from.

I didn't know them that well then so I couldn't ask.

 

[MissPrissy]

Come here and let me hug you! LOL

 

[miss_jayne]

Quote:
i would have been knocking someone down for them!