Cornish cross edible?

[Allaroundfarmgirl]

Hi, I just started raising Cornish cross. I have only had egg laying hens before this. I read a lot about the breed before getting into them and everything was going super (@ 7 weeks) until I brought home 3 ayam cemanis. They all get along but a few days later my Cornish cross started sneezing/having gurgling breathing at times. They seem totally happy and take their dust baths and enjoy the sunshine like normal. I culled one (she couldn't even breathe she had so much mucus coming out of her nose)...but now the others seem to be getting slightly worse. Was it the new chickens? Are they just getting older/having normal (meat chicken) health issues? Can I still eat them?! Almost all pathogens are killed above 165...I smoked the first one to 180, let it sit, and she was great. Hopefully that was safe. I know people have said "would you eat a sick cow?" No, not really haha but...if you saw what normal chickens and cows look like at slaughter houses and pens then you probably wouldn't be eating meat from the store at all lol but we do. so I'm just wondering what is best... any experience?? Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Those birds are too young to just be getting sick from age. They have some illness and it was likely brought in by the new birds. Hence the reason it is recommended to quarantine new birds at least a month as far as possible from your birds.

There are very few illnesses chickens can get that are a danger to humans. After all, you will be thoroughly cooking them.

 

[Kiki]

I agree...you probably brought in a disease with your new birds.
You may want to read this:
http://extension.uga.edu/publicatio...&title=Biosecurity Basics for Poultry Growers

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If burying deeply isn't an option, burning is the best disposal method.