Checking the liver of your birds when processing

[Fowl_Odor002]

I recently had my 2nd annual culling-of-the-flock party 2012. Two volunteers stepped up. While processing I noticed that one chicken had an off-color looking liver rather than your usual deep-red color. This liver was mostly brownish.

I am wondering about eating this chicken.

please learn me

 

[mohillbilly]

it is fine to eat just an older bird

 

[triplepurpose]

I'll elaborate:

The livers of my older birds are always a little discolored (lighter brown, slightly splotchy). IMHE this is totally normal--the liver works hard at handling random toxins and such for the birds whole life. That's what livers are supposed to do.

Here's a picture from an article for comparison: http://www.themodernhomestead.us/photo/show/id/27.html

So I don't eat the livers of those older birds, only those from the young culls (broilers, fryers, roasters). But the rest of the meat should be fine. In fact, the older the birds are, generally the tastier they are!

Enjoy your feast!

 

[hydroswiftrob]

So I don't eat the livers of those older birds, only those from the young culls (broilers, fryers, roasters). But the rest of the meat should be fine. In fact, the older the birds are, generally the tastier they are!

I suppose the older discolored livers are just fine for the dog, or un-edible period?

 

[triplepurpose]

I suppose the older discolored livers are just fine for the dog, or un-edible period?

I suppose that's up to you... but I probably wouldn't... I compost them.

 

[Beekissed]

I feed off color livers to the dog, keep the healthy looking ones for me. Won't hurt the dog one bit.