Chickens died yesterday- can we process tonight?

[jlwquilter]

There was an unforeseen tragedy and I lost 15 chickens yesterday late afternoon. We simply ran out of time to deal with them as we had to deal with the live birds. We bagged the dead birds and placed in the fridge. Can we process them tonight and safely eat the meat?

Quick reply really needed!

 

[Molpet]

Depends on what they died of.


People used to hang birds for several days before cleaning. But most people will tell you no.

 

[jlwquilter]

I cringe even to say what happened. But the birds were healthy. It wasn’t disease. Or predator. It was stupid me.
So in olden days it was normal but in modern times it isn’t- is that the jist?
And thanks for the quick reply! I hate to totally waste the birds but not willing to get sick either from meat spoiled by innards still being in there 24 hrs later.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

I cringe even to say what happened. But the birds were healthy. It wasn’t disease. Or predator. It was stupid me.
So in olden days it was normal but in modern times it isn’t- is that the jist?
And thanks for the quick reply! I hate to totally waste the birds but not willing to get sick either from meat spoiled by innards still being in there 24 hrs later.

Again it would be helpful to know the cause of death.

 

[jlwquilter]

Sigh.... suffocation.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

Sigh.... suffocation.

How does that accidentally happen? Haha!

But I would think that they would be okay to process. Some people will only process immediately, but there are some who will process if it’s only been a few days.

Have they been refrigerated in the meantime? That’s very important.

 

[jlwquilter]

I bought some new birds. I placed too many into a tote and they ended up piled on top of each other and the bottom ones died. I’m so upset about it.

 

[Molpet]

Sigh.... suffocation.

Things happen, we all make mistakes.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

I bought some new birds. I placed too many into a tote and they ended up piled on top of each other and the bottom ones died. I’m so upset about it.

Awe, I’m sorry. I would be torn up about it too!

 

[HappyDuckie]

I don't think you should eat if the innards were left in 24 hours. The meat is most likely spoiled.