Our first CX are in the fridge resting. How long before we eat?

[fried green eggs]

We started with 6 CX chicks and all made it to 12 1/2 weeks without any health problems. We let them free range daily and they actually liked to run short distances. The running kind of looked like a very fast waddle with flapping wings to keep their balance the last couple weeks

With all the exercise our birds did - our 3 CX roos finished processed weight 8 1/2 - 9 # each and the 3 hens weight was 6 - 6 1/2 # each. They would have weighed a little more with feet, neck and full wings but we cut those off before weighing. We plucked 3 and skinned 3 for comparison. We made a killing cone from a large plastic guard collar, we got from the vet from our dogs surgery. The milk jug killing cone - was way too small for these meaties. It took us almost 4 hours to process them but we had fun and it helped knowing they had a good life until the end. Can't wait to have one for dinner.

 

[bwmichaud]

I always let them rest for at least 24 hours but more often I let them rest for 2 or 3 days. I haven't noticed a difference between 1 day and 3 days.

Those birds are HUGE. It looks like you have some nice oven stuffer roasters. Enjoy.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

IF they are that big I would rest them more like 3 days. I have noticed the bigger or older they are, the longer it takes for the muscles to relax. You should be able to wiggle the legs and wings freely.

 

[fried green eggs]

Thanks for the info about resting after butchering. Wednesday I'll roast one and freeze the other 5. I plan to freeze a few whole if they will fit in freezer bags.