Frequently Asked Questions

If you encounter any problems with your order, we ask that you reach out to us, with pictures if possible, 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.

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.

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

Certifications

Non GMO Project

Certified Humane

Global Animal Partnership

Better Chicken Commitment

Food ID Testing Report

WHERE DO YOU DELIVERY?
We deliver to all 50 of the United States.

IS SHIPPING FREE?
Shipping is free for orders $150+ to the 48 contiguous states. Additional fees required for orders going to Alaska and Hawaii and orders under $150.

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?
Currently, we are shipping orders throughout the week.  Your package will be in transit no more than 3 consecutive days.  You may receive your package on Saturday if your zip code is eligible for this service.  If you would like to upgrade your package, you may choose expedited shipping at your cost.

You may expect your order to be delivered within 10 business days after your order is placed, 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, the box and paper liners 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.

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.

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