is taste/texture of meat affected by feed type

[henspa4fun]

We have Buff Orph, Barred Rck, Golden Comets feed organic starter and layer mash, with special green treats. At 20 weeks ready to reduce the flock size - does the meat taste differently for birds fed laying feed opposed to well I guess feed normally provided to meat/growing type? Is it recommended to change over to growing mash before the birds are processed?

It has been suggested to us that layer feed makes the meat tough, that could be attributed to the breed and age, too.

 

[chickened]

Not noticeably, they will be tough compared to a 8 week old chick in a big chickens body (meatie) they may not be very fat or have much muscle development at that age. If they are hens you may consider selling them and getting meat birds. Pullets bring a pretty good price and are IMO to spendy to eat. Just a thought for you.

 

[BetterHensandGardens]

I think it is more the age that would make the meat tough, the birds grown for grocery store meat are only 9 weeks old, so they have no muscle and no flavor. Your 20 weeks old will likely be much more muscular (can be tougher unless properly cooked), but should also be more flavorful. There's an article about that here that might answer some questions: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2011/02/27/heritage-birds-for-real-chicken-flavor/