8 week old cornish cross chick dead

[beverlyhunkin]

I just found my huge 8 week old cornish cross chick dead and in rigor. I am not quite sure when she died this afternoon-sometime between 3pm and 5pm.
I don't know if I should butcher her or bury her. Is she safe to eat after being dead for possibly a couple of hours? I live in Florida and it is quite hot.

 

[Lady Lionheart]

Better be safe. When in doubt, throw it out....

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

No. The guts contaminate the meat, that's why in processing they need to be removed quickly.

 

[RUNuts]

Is the comb purple? May indicate heart failure.

When bird hunting, it can be a couple hours between kill & dressing. I’ll argue the meat should be good. As with all meat, inspect during processing for infection or other signs of illness.

When mine died so near processing, I fed to the dogs for safety & the carcass was covered in fire ants & bloated. Hosed it off well. Mine was longer than a couple hours. Not appetizing.

 

[beverlyhunkin]

Thank you all for your feedback.
My husband and I discussed it, and decided it is better to be safe than sorry. So, we buried her.

 

[Parront]

Thank you all for your feedback.
My husband and I discussed it, and decided it is better to be safe than sorry. So, we buried her.

Best decision to be safe! Sorry for your loss, maybe time to process any others?

 

[Mosey2003]

Yeah, I would not eat a bird I found dead. It's not worth it to me.

 

[kissezmychicken]

Never eat a bird found dead.. Ugh.. Just not ok. Not ok..