Heylids
In the Brooder
- Aug 27, 2017
- 9
- 9
- 19
Hello, I don't raises chickens...yet!...but I am purchasing some from individuals who raises their own.
I purchased some last year from a gentleman who has his chickens outside in a cage, he moves them every day so they always have a nice patch of grass and are in the barn in the evening. I found the meat to be a bit tough/stringy/chewy and the cartilage/bones to be very hard, is this normal for free range? They were also very lean and when making soup out of the bones, it lacked gelatin, why? What thoughts/information can you share and perhaps cooking tips/techniques.
I have also spoken to another individual that raises chickens, mainly for themselves, but have raised extras this year. She's indicated her birds don't go outside the barn, due to predators, but have plenty of room in the barn. She indicated her birds are moist, juicy and the cartilage falls off the bone when cooked.
Both are hormone and antibiotic free, with organic feed and are told their chickens lead a happy life. I'm wondering why the difference in the meat description and what choice is best and why? These chickens weight 5 1/2 lbs and upward.
Lastly, what should I be looking for when sourcing organic chickens and what types of questions might I be asking and what answers should I be looking for?
Thank you very much for your time and expert thoughts, information and opinions...love this site!!
I purchased some last year from a gentleman who has his chickens outside in a cage, he moves them every day so they always have a nice patch of grass and are in the barn in the evening. I found the meat to be a bit tough/stringy/chewy and the cartilage/bones to be very hard, is this normal for free range? They were also very lean and when making soup out of the bones, it lacked gelatin, why? What thoughts/information can you share and perhaps cooking tips/techniques.
I have also spoken to another individual that raises chickens, mainly for themselves, but have raised extras this year. She's indicated her birds don't go outside the barn, due to predators, but have plenty of room in the barn. She indicated her birds are moist, juicy and the cartilage falls off the bone when cooked.
Both are hormone and antibiotic free, with organic feed and are told their chickens lead a happy life. I'm wondering why the difference in the meat description and what choice is best and why? These chickens weight 5 1/2 lbs and upward.
Lastly, what should I be looking for when sourcing organic chickens and what types of questions might I be asking and what answers should I be looking for?
Thank you very much for your time and expert thoughts, information and opinions...love this site!!
Last edited:
