For the gold standard in stocks and stews, use Poulet Rouge Hens. These birds, from Joyce Farms, are true, slow-growing heritage chickens and are pasture-raised. The flavor rich and-old fashioned, sweet and strong, but not at all gamy absolutely surpasses that of commercial chickens. These birds are laying hens and live for one year, about three to four times as long as the regular Poulet Rouge Heritage Chickens. Because the hens live longer, they are very flavorful but not quite as tender, which is why they are perfect for stocks and slow-cooking applications.