How long to chill/rest before freezing?

[AgnesGray]

NOTHING makes better chicken and dumplings, chicken and rice, or chicken soup than a retired laying hen.

Can't wait to try!!

 

[aart]

I've never processed birds this old so this will be the first go around with this.

If they are not laying now, they may be filled with fat, if you or anyone you know likes smaltz it's a bonus.
If they are molting, plucking might leave lots of pin feathers...I have ended up skinning at final cleaning due to that.

 

[AgnesGray]

If they are not laying now, they may be filled with fat, if you or anyone you know likes smaltz it's a bonus.
If they are molting, plucking might leave lots of pin feathers...I have ended up skinning at final cleaning due to that.

Thanks for the tips. There are about 40 not laying. 40 more that sporadically lay. Most are through molt, but this will give me an idea of who to start with and who to leave for next time. Thanks!

 

[Poultrybonkers]

I rest my birds 3 days anything longer they start to rot.

 

[aart]

I rest my birds 3 days anything longer they start to rot.

In the fridge?

 

[Poultrybonkers]

In the fridge?

Yes

 

[AgnesGray]

In the fridge?

What temperature is your fridge? They shouldn't rot in 3 days.

 

[Molpet]

Yes

Need to set the temperature lower , below 40f. Should be good for a week to 10 days

 

[aart]

I rest my birds 3 days anything longer they start to rot.

Another thought, I assume this was a thoroughly cleaned carcass?

 

[3KillerBs]

Another thought, I assume this was a thoroughly cleaned carcass?

And chilled in an ice bath before refrigerating rather than put in warm?