Chicken parts

[spamanon]

What is the dark reddish-purple stuff along the backbone of a chicken. It is below the lungs, between the lungs and the tail. Is it necessary to remove this stuff while butchering? My fingers can barely get at it. Any advice?

 

[antlers]

Sounds like your talking about the kidneys but a picture would help. Do you need to remove it? I always tell the kids remove anything you dont want to eat.
Practically, you often find the kidneys still in store bought chicken and you clean it better just before you cook it.

 

[MissPrissy]

The kidneys and other tissue is lodged in that area of the back. When we process I use the hose and pressure wash the gunk out.