[FiB]

they have been free rangeon 10 acres and spend the night in a stable so had a good upbringing

Mmmm - free ranging cockerels tend to be tougher and gamier I understand......
 
I agree with Fowlman et al - the children should experience the whole life of the chicken - not just the fluffy cute bits.

Yep - I can confrim that our freeranging warrens were NOT tasty (we had 4 cockrels out of 4 eggs last year and had to munch our way reluctantly through all!!  Coq au vin made them slightly less disgusting!!!). . Actually looking forward to some cockrels out of current batch of light sussex, but will be keeping them in a bit more to 'fatten up'.  Good luck.

[in the hills]

I see .... no, I don't think you could keep all the cockerels with only 2 hens. You are doing right to keep them apart as young cockerels will all grab one hen and try to tread her and can cause injury or worse.


Perhaps you could keep one if you like having a cockerel around.


Good luck with homes for the others 

[SallyintNorth]

Well, I have eaten a number of free-range cockerels in my time, Fi, and the secret, I think, is to hang the boys for a day or two and then do a long slow cook to tenderise and soften all gristley tendony bits.  Roasting or grilling won't work, nor will a stove-top quick casserole or curry.  But there's no reason warrens should be any less tasty than any other breed.

[Factotum]

But there's no reason warrens should be any less tasty than any other breed.

I'm sure I read somewhere that Black Rock hybrids taste disgusting - can't find the ref now and, of course, it may be complete poultry manure...


Sue

[colliewoman]

Where are you hun?


I could get someone to dispatch them for you if you are near here?