Many Cackle Hatchery® customers depend on homegrown chickens to fill their freezers and feed their families. First-timers often have questions about the process. Below are 9 of the most common questions our team answers about raising meat chickens.
Which chickens are best for meat?
Some people prefer Cornish cross broilers. Others savor the heavyweight heritage breeds. For details on the differences between the two, see: Which Is Best for Meat: Cornish Broiler or Heritage Breed?
How long do meat chickens take to grow?
White Cornish cross meat chickens take 6 to 7 weeks to grow. Heritage breeds take 16 weeks or more, depending on the breed.
How are chickens killed for meat?
The typical way to kill homegrown chickens is to either chop off the head or cut the throat. But the more suitable and time-honored method is to dislocate the bird’s neck, which kills instantly. Regardless of the method, killing meat chickens should always be quick and humane.
How are chickens killed in factories?
Industrial plants first stun the chickens unconscious, and then kill them with a swift single cut to the throat. The National Chicken Council has a graphic showing the entire process.
How are chickens processed?
Whether at home or industrially, meat chickens are killed, then eviscerated, cleaned, and chilled. After they have been thoroughly chilled, whole chickens may be cut into pieces, sometimes deboned, and packed.
How is a whole chicken cooked in the oven?
Pat the chicken inside and out with a paper towel, salt the inside, tie the legs together, and salt the outside. Then place the chicken in a roasting pan and cook it in a 450ºF oven. A whole chicken weighing up to 3 pounds takes 45 minutes to one hour.
At what temperature should a chicken be cooked?
A chicken is fully cooked when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F . If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken. A fully cooked chicken will be firm and opaque, and the juices should run clear as you cut into the meat.
How are chicken wings cooked in the oven?
Generously season the wings with your favorite rub. Spread them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in a 450ºF oven for 35 minutes. Remove the wings from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Where can I learn more about raising and processing meat chickens?
For more answers to common questions about raising and processing meat chickens, the following two books are full of helpful details:
Raising Cornish Cross Chickens for Meat
Butchering Chickens: A Guide to Humane, Small-Scale Processing
And that’s today’s news from the Cackle Coop.
If you have any questions about meat chickens, please feel free to contact us here at Cackle Hatchery.
