I'm a newbie and have 6 RIR's and 6 BR's day olds coming in mid October. Right now I'm interested in eggs but, in time, I'd like to raise some for the freezer. A couple of questions....do the hens and the roos taste the same? is one tougher than the other? Which of the two breeds is better eating (we like dark meat if we have our druthers)?Is there a breed that's significantly better tasting or better suited for table fare than my 2 breeds? Can the older hens be eaten after they're too old to lay?
The taste of roos and hens are almost the same but there is a big difference in texture, roos are tougher. I don't think there is a huge difference between the breeds as well, both are American breeds and both have more or less the same characteristics. I have not tried it but Dorkings, Faverolles, Houdans, La Fleches, Marans and Cornishes are know to be flavorful.
Yes, the older hens can be eaten and will be richly flavored. Just as the birds get older, you use slow moist cooking methods. They aren't much suited for fried chicken.
