Cooking suggestions?

[Slinkee]

This January we ordered our first flock of layers. Our girls came packed with 6 barred rock roos. We can't keep roo's in the city, but waste not want not since barred rocks are DPs we decided to raise them with the ladies and eat them. They are 12 weeks old and we butchered one today as a test run before we off them all. We now have a lovely plucked roughly 3.5lb bird resting in the fridge until I figure what to do with it! Our oldest fell on the floor laughing when he saw the little thing....he's clearly not going to feed 4 hungry growing boys, one large husband and non-anorexic wife.

However, I'm pretty sure I could make a fairly acceptable lunch of him while Daddy is at work but I've read that backyard chickens should be cooked differently than store birds? I was hoping someone would have suggestions on cooking so I don't waste him.

 

[hotrodflash]

Crock pot, stew it or pressure cook it. Pull the meat from the bones and use in a casserole. That should be enough to feed your family for one meal at least.

 

[anorwood]

I brine my chickens before roasting. 1/4 cup kosher salt to 1 qt water, soak for at least 4-6 hrs. It keeps the meat from drying out and gives it a nice flavor. I have my first batch of meaties growing and am thinking about brining them right after butchering for 10-12 hrs during the 2-3 day "rest period" before they go into the freezer. Has anyone done this?