right, according to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's book of meat, i've got an older bird and not a youngster which is apparently the very best type of pigeon.
according to HFW's book an "oven ready" pigeon is one that has a flexible beak, soft claws, a thick, short neck, and a supple pliable breastbone with a slightly rosy skin.
mine unfortunately has none of those, and a more grey/white skin. but that's by no means a loss! that still leaves alot! such as pies, stews, etc. and if i can grab one of the blackbirds that have been floating around, i've read elsewhere that apparently they go great together.
one big thing HFW points out in his book is that pigeon doesn't keep for very long at all, even in cold weather, and should be eaten very soon (within a couple of days).
so if i dont manage to bag me a blackbird to go with it, i still think it's worth slow roasting, and using the carcass to make stock, then chucking the lot into a home made pie with mixed veg :thumb: