Crooked keel discovered when processing; is this bird safe to consume?

[AlieaMikel]

We just started processing the roosters from our straight-run of spring chicks. The rooster we just processed had a crooked, "S" shaped keel and NO breast meat. We spend quite a bit of time around our chickens and had noticed no eating/drinking/pooping issues with this roo. He was beautiful and very active, but obviously his feathers hid serious problems.

His organs appeared very healthy (his crop was full, we now know to withhold food for 24 hrs prior to processing, but it wasn't overly full).

First things first: Is it safe to consume this bird? Obviously he'll only be suited for homemade stock, but I'd be grateful that his life and our efforts didn't go to complete waste.

Secondly: What caused this? I really thought we'd followed EVERY advice on brooding, feeding, exercise and social space, roost/coop/run specs - everything! Did we miss something or is this genetic???

Thanks ahead of time, for ANY info, suggestions, or sources you may point me to. Really hoping we can understand this and prevent it from effecting the rest of the flock if it's not too late, or at least future flocks.

 

[BantamLover21]

It is fine, you can still eat the bird. Crooked breastbones are often hereditary, or they can be due to a calcium/phosphorus deficiency. Since you probably fed your bird a perfectly healthy diet, I suspect that it was a genetic tendency/problem.

 

[Wyandottes7]

You can still eat the bird. A crooked breastbone is usually caused by a genetic deformity. Its also possible that it is from a calcium or phosphorus deficiency while the bird was growing. None of these things affect whether you can eat it or not.

 

[AlieaMikel]

Thank you both so very much! Into the stockpot he goes and we're very grateful for him. =D