Suspected rooster Jersey Giant

[cherylwillard1]

Good morning all,

I got four young birds about 2 months ago that were supposed to all be female. However, I more than suspect at least one to be a roo. There are 2 Jersey Giant mixed birds, and 2 Barred Rock mixed birds. One of the Jersey's looks to be getting saddle feathers and crows occasionally. They free range with the other birds. He's probably about 5 to 6 months old, and getting really big. Do you think he'd be ok to put in a pot? What's the best way to make sure he's not gamey and tough? Or is he too old to ever taste good?

Thanks!

 

[Chicalina]

Jerseys are slow maturing. So I would imagine he hasn't yet got into gaminess, or is yet full grown, though I've never butchered my own.

 

[aart]

Do you think he'd be ok to put in a pot?
What's the best way to make sure he's not gamey and tough?

Yep.
Make sure you rest the cleaned carcass in the fridge for 2-3-4 days before freezing or cooking.
Not sure a domestic bird will ever taste 'gamey'....but home grown birds are much different than store birds (or even CX meat birds slaughtered at ~8wks), they will be more 'toothsome' and have fuller flavor which can be odd if you're not used to it or have different expectations.

 

[cherylwillard1]

Yep.
Make sure you rest the cleaned carcass in the fridge for 2-3-4 days before freezing or cooking.
Not sure a domestic bird will ever taste 'gamey'....but home grown birds are much different than store birds (or even CX meat birds slaughtered at ~8wks), they will be more 'toothsome' and have fuller flavor which can be odd if you're not used to it or have different expectations.

I had barred rock hens, and I butchered on at over a year old. She was gamey, but then I didn't know to let them hang - I cleaned her and put her right in the pot. Not so great tasting. She had been free ranging for her whole life though, with very little chicken feed. I'll give it a try, I've got a spare fridge I can stick him in.

 

[aart]

She had been free ranging for her whole life though, with very little chicken feed.

Feed could definitely have an effect on meat flavor.

I'll give it a try, I've got a spare fridge I can stick him in.

Fully cleaned carcass, not 'hung' ungutted like wild game birds are often handled.

 

[cherylwillard1]

Feed could definitely have an effect on meat flavor.

Fully cleaned carcass, not 'hung' ungutted like wild game birds are often handled.

You mean don't hang him, right?

 

[aart]

You mean don't hang him, right?

Right...pluck, gut, rinse put in fridge.