Frequently Asked Questions

If you encounter any problems with your order, we ask that you reach out to us at support@cooksventure.com within 30 days of receipt and we will make it right!

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 3 and 4 pounds each and come whole without giblets, liver, neck or feet.

Where is our meat from?

Our pasture-raised Pioneer chicken is raised in Arkansas, our Kurobuta pork in Missouri, and our lamb and beef in New Zealand.

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 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?

Orders ship weekly Monday through Wednesday via 2-3 day shipping. If your zip code can receive Saturday deliveries, we may ship on Thursday or Friday. You may expect your order to be delivered within 10 business days after you order, with exceptions occurring occasionally due to UPS observed holidays and inclement weather. You will receive an email from tracking@shipstation.com with tracking information once your order has shipped.

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?

We advise customers to unpack their orders as soon as possible upon delivery to ensure products remain chilled at or below 40°F.

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, we recommend cooking the product as soon as possible for quality and safety purposes.

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, we recommend cooking the product as soon as possible for quality and safety purposes.

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 encounter any problems with your order, we ask that you reach out to us at support@cooksventure.com within 30 days of receipt and we will make it right!

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.

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.