Can/Should we eat this bird?

[tmayk]

We are raising Cornish X for the first time right now. We have 9, all female. They are 7 weeks old and we are planning to process them over the next couple of days.

Well, one of them is acting ill or injured. I am fairly certain it is an injury. She eats and drinks just fine! Her poo is normal. Although she refuses to walk around she is still alert, not lethargic or anything. She will not even attempt to stand though.


It seems slightly a silly question, but is it ok to eat this bird?

These hens were raised in a very healthy manner. We fed all organic, GMO free feed and they were encouraged to forage in a large area. We keep their water fresh and clean and change their bedding frequently.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

i have never raised these birds but i have heard that is pretty normal for them to just lay around and eat. they were not designed to be active birds or live long. lay and eat for fast meat.

 

[tmayk]

i have never raised these birds but i have heard that is pretty normal for them to just lay around and eat. they were not designed to be active birds or live long. lay and eat for fast meat.

Yes! They are all very lazy!! But, this bird doesn't move. She just lays there. She eats and drinks, but only when I bring her food and water directly. I think she is physically incapable of standing.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

does she have any sick symptoms? if you put the feed a few ft. away will so go to it? normaly if they lay all the time you will se breast blisters and its time to butcher. if there is no eye swelling, sneezing, anything like that i would just go ahead and butcher. but im not there and if it has any sick symptoms i would cull and toss.

 

[bobbi-j]

It's possible that she can't get up anymore. These birds are prone to leg problems. I'd butcher her and eat her or throw her in the freezer for later.

 

[KimBlake]

I totally agree with bobbi-j. She probably has weak or injured legs, or a broken leg. While she is still healthy, butcher her. I have 7 week old X's and we are butchering this weekend. Yay!!

How many do you have? We have about 35. We lost 6-8 over the 7 weeks, not bad I think.

Good Luck!!

Kim