Wrath's Marans

[2ndTink]

We ate 2 of our Marans cockerels. The soup broth and meat were fantastic. I included the feet also and they just fell apart after simmerimg.
I have some fibro cockerels I’m thinking of butchering. I’ve been curious about cooking with the dark meat and skin.

I processed 2 silkies, but had some friends that wanted to try them, so I haven't yet, a third was half silkie and had some really interesting light purple skin. I have 2 black cockerels I'll do this weekend, were keeping at least one to try. Super fascinating seeing that dark meat. Curiosity overcomes the eww factor

 

[2ndTink]

Definitely give us an update. I'm going to keep plugging away at wifey about it, but if I can keep getting 15/bird, I won't complain. I had them posted for 20 but the day I dropped to 15, I got the text and they were listed for less than a week, only on Craigslist.

Nice! Yeah, selling then is definitely easier, but... keep testing the waters with the wife about trying one out. But, if she's like me, wait for a few months before cooking it. Let some time help fade the memories before trying to eat it. Oof, that first one my mom did the week after processing, I just about couldn't eat it.

 

[Tstraub]

I listen to a podcast called poultry keepers 360. They discuss a lot about breeding. They have said on multiple episodes that if you are breeding a duel purpose breed you really do need to butcher some of your own birds.

They were originally developed as a table bird so it is your job as a breeder to assess your live birds and your table birds. There are things you can’t see on a live bird that you can easily see once it’s properly prepared for consumption.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Nice! Yeah, selling then is definitely easier, but... keep testing the waters with the wife about trying one out. But, if she's like me, wait for a few months before cooking it. Let some time help fade the memories before trying to eat it. Oof, that first one my mom did the week after processing, I just about couldn't eat it.

So writing their name on the freezer paper is a no-go. Check.

"What's for dinner, Hon?"

"Gloria"

I'm guessing my dark humor wouldn't help with convincing her.
But like said, she's gonna be hard to sell. She was not onboard with the idea of who I'm selling the cockerels to for quite awhile.... she's got a heart of gold.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Knowing logically who needed to go (non-keeper boys, egg eaters, feather pickers...) that was easy, but committing to actually process them was still hard. I did pretty good this last time, I was able to be more business about it, less feel-y.

They're all so easy to get attached to. I agree, good lives with one partial bad day, still WAY better than the commercially raised chicks.

I didn't save the feet, I've read about using them for broth, but do you peal them and take the nails off or anything? I've not ventured I to that area yet. I've made it to doing a neck bone broth is all.

I believe most folks use them in their broth because they are loaded with collagen.

 

[wrathsfarm]

I listen to a podcast called poultry keepers 360. They discuss a lot about breeding. They have said on multiple episodes that if you are breeding a duel purpose breed you really do need to butcher some of your own birds.

They were originally developed as a table bird so it is your job as a breeder to assess your live birds and your table birds. There are things you can’t see on a live bird that you can easily see once it’s properly prepared for consumption.

This makes a lot of sense. This podcast? Is it all just general chicken chit chat or do they do like episodes for certain breeds?

I feel like someone would have me diagnosed if I started listening to this as I'm 24/7 'chicken tv' as it is.

"He's off his rocker, Doctor.... He wants a chicken tattoo!"

 

[2ndTink]

This makes a lot of sense. This podcast? Is it all just general chicken chit chat or do they do like episodes for certain breeds?

I feel like someone would have me diagnosed if I started listening to this as I'm 24/7 'chicken tv' as it is.

"He's off his rocker, Doctor.... He wants a chicken tattoo!"

What!?! You don't already have one?

 

[2ndTink]

I believe most folks use them in their broth because they are loaded with collagen.

Oh, that sounds like I need it then! Feet will be saved this weekend, footsie pies coming up!

 

[TwoCrows]

This thread is always guaranteed to give me the giggles and warm my heart.

Thanks y'all.

 

[Tstraub]

This makes a lot of sense. This podcast? Is it all just general chicken chit chat or do they do like episodes for certain breeds?

I feel like someone would have me diagnosed if I started listening to this as I'm 24/7 'chicken tv' as it is.

"He's off his rocker, Doctor.... He wants a chicken tattoo!"

The are 3 breeders that host the show one is retired but did a lot of bird shows and was a judge for a long time his breed of choice is RIR. The second one breeds Chanticlere and the third does American Bresse. Show topics are usually things like , feed, molt, incubation, hot or cold weather. Sometimes they have guests come on and talk about their experiences with certain rare breeds. I have never heard any specific Marans episodes but they get mentioned here and there throughout different episodes.