Where to buy old chickens!?

[sekelmaan]

Anyone know of a regular place to get some old chickens? I have seen them occasionally at farmers markets and frozen. Can one get them fresh? Is there a chicken farm I can go to and say I want that ol' cock and point?

[josie888]

Polyface farms is offering some old cocks and hens. I was wondering why they were special.

[sekelmaan]

Excellent, thanks!

[hill food]

why?

just call any reputable poulterer and I would expect they can oblige, jeez they're prob thinking how to get rid of that stock.

[sekelmaan]

I was reading that they have a richer flavor and are better for soups, stocks, stews, etc. I will see who I can find locally. Thanks.

[crowsonguy]

You're right about the flavor, sekelmaan. You didn't give a location, but if you're in the Baltimore area call Spring Hill Farm. It's a fun place to visit too.

[sekelmaan]

That sounds familiar. I think I drove up there to buy a turkey one year. Thank you, I was trying to find that name.

[crowsonguy]

Sorry, it's SpringFIELD Farm: www.ourspringfieldfarm.com
16701 Yeoho Road
Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152-9559
[phone]

[monkeyrotica]

Older birds, particularly roosters, are tough and sinewy but also have a richer flavor than young chickens. I have several old recipes for cockaleekie that explicitly call for a "tough, reprobate old rooster" slow stewed overnight under peat fires.

[crowsonguy]

I love the "reprobate" demand. Yes, I bet his former enjoyment adds to the flavor!