Turkey may be the traditional choice, but for many years our Christmas rooster has been winning over customers looking for something a little different. It's richer than chicken, smaller than a turkey and reared just once a year, for Christmas.
Roosters are only available at Christmas, while stocks last. Sizes go quickly, so we'd recommend ordering early for the widest choice. Order your rooster
What is a Herb Fed rooster?
Our roosters are cock birds: male chickens, slow-grown to full maturity. The idea is similar to the traditional capon, but our birds are not caponised, which isn't practised in the UK. Each rooster is grown for nearly 100 days, giving it the time it needs to develop real depth of flavour and a firmer, more satisfying texture.
What does it taste like?
Richer than chicken and wonderfully old-fashioned in character. The flavour is full-bodied and distinctive, and some even describe it as gently gamey. It feels special enough for Christmas Day while staying close to the flavours everyone loves.
"This rooster really has the extra 'oomph' in flavour. Clearly it is a well-cared-for and prepared joint with delicious flavour."
Great Taste Awards 2026, 2 stars
Reared with care on our Yorkshire farm
Our roosters live in small flocks in mobile arcs on our family farm near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, and are hand-bedded every night. By day they roam and forage outdoors.
Edward and Emma and the team look after every bird, and each one is hand finished and packed. It's slow, careful farming, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Why Herb Fed?
Alongside an additive-free cereal diet, our birds peck through fresh herbs grown by Herbs Unlimited, a family herb farm in Yorkshire: parsley, chives, dill, coriander, thyme, fennel, tarragon and marjoram. Foraging keeps them busy and content and adds extra vitamins and minerals to their diet.
And no, the meat doesn't taste of herbs. What you taste is a well-reared bird with proper flavour and texture.
Is a rooster right for your Christmas?
A Herb Fed rooster is a lovely choice if you:
- Want a Christmas centrepiece that's a little different
- Enjoy richer, deeper flavours
- Are cooking for a smaller gathering and don't need a large turkey
- Have limited oven space
Whole rooster or rooster crown?
Whole rooster
Roasted whole, it makes a beautiful centrepiece, with both white and dark meat and a carcass for stock and gravy. Buy a whole rooster
Rooster crown
All the breast meat on the bone. Quicker to cook and easier to carve, it's ideal for a smaller table. Buy a rooster crown
How much rooster do I need?
Our size guides allow for leftovers.
Whole rooster
| Size | Weight | Serves |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 3-4kg (6.6-8.8lb) | 6-8 people |
| Medium | 4-5kg (8.8-11lb) | 8-11 people |
| Large | 5kg plus (11lb plus) | 11 people plus |
Rooster crown
| Size | Weight | Serves |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2-2.5kg (4.4-5.5lb) | 6-8 people |
| Medium | 2.5-3kg (5.5-6.6lb) | 8-10 people |
| Large | 3-3.5kg (6.6-7.7lb) | 10-12 people |
For all our birds' sizes in one place, see our Bird Size Guide.
Cooking and serving
A rooster roasts much like a large chicken, and it pairs beautifully with all the festive trimmings: roast roots, stuffing, cranberry sauce and a rich gravy made from the roasting juices. For timings and temperatures, see our cooking guide.
Any leftovers make wonderful sandwiches, pies and soups over the festive week.
Order your Herb Fed Christmas rooster
Slow-grown, herb-fed and reared with care on our Yorkshire farm, a Herb Fed rooster brings something special to the Christmas table. Not hosting this year? A rooster makes a generous gift, delivered straight to whoever's hosting on 23 December. Roosters are only available at Christmas and sizes go quickly, so order early for the widest choice.
Order your Christmas rooster today
From all of us at Herb Fed, have a very happy Christmas.
Edward and Emma
