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We love our food! And we want you to love it, too. That’s why your purchase is backed with our Cooks Venture Guarantee. If your order isn’t delicious and perfectly packaged, please drop us a line at support@cooksventure.com, and we’ll make things right—guaranteed.

Our 7 Most Asked Questions about Our Chickens...Answered Here

Cooks Venture’s chickens are pasture-raised, heirloom, slow growth birds. Nice words but what do they mean and why does it matter?

Our chickens have unrestricted access to a biodiverse environment - our wooded, 800 acre farm - every day, all day, weather permitting. Our heirloom chickens are bred to thrive outdoors. It’s in their DNA. 

You can see first hand here how we let our bird out every morning as well as a view into our farm over on our YouTube channel.

Slow-growth raises the nutritional value of the meat - you’ll find higher levels of Omega 3s and vitamin A, lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fats, and higher levels of antioxidants and iron.

What does “GAP 4 certified” mean?

The Global Animal Partnership (GAP) certification program is the leader in animal welfare labeling standards. The GAP Certified program uses a tiered labeling strategy (Steps 1-5) to signal to consumers how the animals were raised. The higher the step number, the more the animal’s environment mimics a natural environment. Cooks Venture is certified Step 4 which requires the following:

• birds to be raised on pasture 100% of the time starting at the age of four weeks
• the pasture to be maintained
• use of a breed that is bred to live outdoors
  
• shade and enrichments to be made available.  

What does Non-GMO Project Verified mean?

Our chickens are raised and fed a diet in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard for avoidance of genetically engineered ingredients.

Do you use hormones or antibiotics?

No. Our heirloom chickens are robust, active and healthy—resulting in a slow-growing bird with higher bone density—meaning we have no need for antibiotics or added hormones.

What’s the difference between water chilling and air chilling?

To ensure food safety, the USDA requires poultry to be cooled to a certain temperature. Most processors cool chickens in vats of ice cold water, where they also absorb water. This dilutes the quality of their flesh and flavor, as well as increases the risk of cross-contamination. In addition, the buyer ends up paying for the added water—an increase of anywhere from 2-12% (average 8%) of the final selling weight. 

Air chilled chickens pass through several chambers of cold, purified air. While this method takes longer, positive results are gaining attention and popularity with buyers in the USA. There’s no added moisture, a retention of natural juices, and a tender, more flavorful meat, which cooks faster.

How big are the whole chickens?

Our whole chickens are between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds each and come whole without giblets, liver, neck, or feet.

Where do you delivery?

We deliver to all 50 of the United States.

Is shipping free?

Shipping is free to the 48 contiguous states. Additional fees required for orders going to Alaska and Hawaii.

How will my order be shipped?

We ship with FedEx and UPS.  Our products are packaged frozen in a lined box with dry ice and/or frozen gel packs to keep them cold during transit.

When will my order ship?

You can expect your order to be delivered within 7-14 days of ordering. (Orders ship weekly on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from our facility via 2-3 day shipping.) You will receive tracking information via email once your order ships.

How can I track my order?

You will receive an email with tracking information once your order has shipped.

Does someone need to be at home to accept the delivery?

No.

How long can my box sit outside?

Our chickens are packaged frozen in a lined box with dry ice and should be unpacked within 12 hours of delivery.

Can I use a PO box as my delivery address?

No. UPS requires a home address for delivery.

Is Cooks Venture packaging recyclable?

Yes, our shipping box and all internal packaging are curbside recyclable.

How long can a frozen chicken last in the freezer? In the refrigerator?

Frozen whole chickens can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. Once defrosted, chicken can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

What is the best way to defrost a frozen chicken?

Defrosting a whole chicken in the refrigerator is the safest and cleanest method, although does take longer. One frozen bird will take between one to two days to thaw in the refrigerator. Once defrosted, chicken can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

If running short on time though, frozen chicken can be thawed in a water bath. Place the tightly sealed frozen chicken in a sink or bowl with cold water. Every 30 minutes, drain the sink and replace with fresh water. It should take about 30 minutes for every pound. (When using the water bath method, completely thawed chicken should be cooked immediately.)

What temperature do you cook chicken until?

The USDA recommends cooking whole poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (73.9 °C) as measured using a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.

Where can I find Cooks Venture recipes?

Visit our Recipes blog for step-by-step recipes.

Can I cook the string on the pre-trussed whole bird?

Yes, the twine we use to truss our whole birds is safe for roasting and grilling.

I am not happy with all or part of my order. What should I do?

If you are unsatisfied with your order in any way, please contact support@cooksventure.com and we’ll address your issue as soon as possible through a replacement order or refund.

I want to tell the world about this chicken! How can I tag you on social media?

Connect with us on Instagram at @CooksVenture or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cooksventurefood/.

I'd like to sell your chickens in my store or restaurant. How do I contact you?

We're so excited to hear this! Please email sales@cooksventure.com for any and all sales inquiries or questions.