We went out to the coop today to check on the layers and get some eggs. It was a nice day so we opened the door to the pen and everything was good. A couple of hours later my wife brought some food out for them and found one of the Rhode Island reds laying on the floor in the coop. I am not sure what happened but it looks like the bird might have knocked itself out on the perches due to all the excitement running in and out of the coop with the guineas going crazy. Anyways first the birds eyes were shut and then it tried to get up but could not. So I am not really sure what happened but I took it out and culled it. I did not want to waste such a nice bird so I scalded it in a lobster pot full of water at about 150 degrees and it was pretty easy to pluck. I then proceeded to butcher the bird and everything seemed to go pretty good for never doing this before. I have read all about it but this was the first time actually processing a bird. There was no fluids inside the bird so I am guessing it was not sick and it did look very healthy up until I found it on the floor.
I am assuming it will be ok to eat this bird. It is about a year and a half old maybe two. The bird is in the refridgerator now. We have 25 meat birds in the brooder and this was good practice. After this experience I am going to pay to have my 25 meat birds processed. Processing was not a huge task but for $3 something a bird it will be well worth it.
I am assuming it will be ok to eat this bird. It is about a year and a half old maybe two. The bird is in the refridgerator now. We have 25 meat birds in the brooder and this was good practice. After this experience I am going to pay to have my 25 meat birds processed. Processing was not a huge task but for $3 something a bird it will be well worth it.
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