[Junie]

I'm the same - cannot even be there to see the dreaded deed, but I do pluck and managed to gut the last one we culled.  I cannot do it with the head on though!!  Hubby does the culling - we have joint birds too - He much prefers the French Co-nu as there are no feathers on the neck to get in the way!
5 years ago I couldn't eat a fish with it's head on - so I am hardening up!

[binghamd]

There are loads of videos on U-tube, which show how to cull, pluck and prepare chickens. eg Not a valid youtube URLMany are American where they usually chop the heads off, so if you are squimish avoid these.
If you are interested in chickens with a lot of breast meat then it would probably be best to go for those specially "designed" for that. There are quite a lot available eg Hubbards. Master Gris have been recommended to me. They can be bought as eggs or day old. They will be ready for the pot in 12+ weeks. Good luck.

[rachelr]

ooh where can i get the mardi gris from i am very interested in having them as meat hens

[Carollan]

You are all so lucky to have the choice.Our house deeds say we can`t keep any livestock,so ,no happy chucks laying eggs here.Someone up the road does have about 3 hens,but she has good neighbours who won`t complain.Mine would!

[binghamd]

I believe that member "cluckingnuts" has info about Master Gris.

[eltanko]

hi sarah f i cant pm you because i need 10 posts but if you are interested in 2 chickens pm me i see your only in grimsby im in cleethorpes.

sorry for posting off topic