Red Stone Chicken

Red Stone Chicken

　　During the summer months of June to August according to the lunar calendar, on the rocky cliffs along the streams of Mount Sanqing, flocks of stone chickens gather to rest or forage, emitting calls that sound like “gong, gong, gong.” These three months are an ideal time to catch stone chickens. At this time, local farmers at the foot of the mountain light pine torches or use flashlights to follow the streams upstream in search of them. After the lunar month of September, the stone chickens hide deep within the crevices of the rocks and can no longer be seen. The stone chicken has long, furry claws. Large ones can weigh up to half a pound. In the streams of Erqiadun, the stone chickens have reddish skin and are commonly known as “Red Stone Chickens.” They are warm in nature, delicious in taste, tender in meat, and their juice contains gelatin. They can be stir-fried or stewed lightly and are considered a delicacy. They are highly nutritious, and lightly stewed red stone chicken is not only a tasty dish but also believed to strengthen muscles and bones.