How long can I store a butchered turkey in the fridge?

[kathleengp]

I butchered Monday and wanted to do a weekend turkey dinner today. I put 3 in the freezer but ran out of space and put 1 in the fridge. I was going to cook it today but now I'm worried that's it's been in the fridge too long? What do you think? Is 6 days too long to wait to cook?

 

[christineavatar]

I use three days as a deadline for refrigeration. Any longer and there is a freshness problem. Could you borrow space in a neighbors freezer for a week?

 

[Oregon Blues]

A freshly killed and properly cleaned turkey should be just fine if refrigerated for a week.

I probably wouldn't leave it much longer than that.

One thing about poultry: it starts to smell "off" before it actually becomes dangerous to eat. So if your turkey doesn't smell funky, go ahead and cook it.

A store bought turkey, I wouldn't leave as long because it is already several (or many) days old at the time you purchase it.

 

[kathleengp]

Thanks guys! I checked it for any off smell and it smelled fresh and nice still, so I went ahead and cooked it up today - it was just fine

Next time I will think ahead and maybe ask a friend for freezer space before I get myself stuck with one in the fridge this long - that's a great idea!