Can I eat a chicken injured by a wild animal?

[Gramma Donna]

I failed to close-up my urban chicken coop last night and something grabbed one of my laying hens and drug her into the yard. Could be fox, raccoon, owl or ferrel cat.
Her beak is so badly injured I don't think she will be able to eat. We were planning to butcher one of our laying hens this fall anyway, so I wonder if it is safe to eat this one.

Thanks,
Gramma Donna

 

[Judy]

Welcome to our forum!

Raccoons can carry a parasite that is quite harmful to humans. You might expose yourself just by handling the chickens' wounds. I don't think I would.

 

[Gramma Donna]

Thanks, Judy - That really helps me decide what to do.