Game bird molting....my first meat bird?

[Dr.Doorlock]

I have a game bird which is older than the rest of my flock. I saved her from a terrible home so she could live the good life in my care, but my hens must produce. Her eggs are the only ones which are white and she has not layed for several days.

I am considering introducing her to some dumplings. Will the meat be what I expect or will she be bony and tough? Will the flavor be different from what we have always gotten from the grocery store? Do I need to do anything (like saltung the meat) before we cook this hen?

 

[Cuban Longtails]

I would put her in a brine in the fridge for a few days and then slow cook in a crock pot.

The oldest birds I've processed were at a few months beyond a year old, and that method works for them. The meat is still tender and easy to eat, flavor is great.