Huge ulcerated liver- Graphic pics linked

[MikeG]

http://instagr.am/p/QqaudsuNQc/

CXs are about 8 weeks old and I've written a few posts regarding their ailment and subsequent losses (20%)-

We're processing on Saturday and I was able to catch one in its last hours and processed it. Took a few pictures of the entrails. Liver was HUGE and ulcerated. The body cavity was full of fluid as well. Ideas?

And is it safe to eat. Pretty disconcerting...


http://instagr.am/p/QqcCsauNR_/

The gizzard was small as well.

Thanks

 

[mmktdox]

Sounds like congestive heart failure which lead to ascites. Was the fluid clear and yellowish? I've lost some to that before I started restricting feed. Check out this link, it explains it better than I can.

http://www.canadianpoultry.ca/ascites.htm

We ate ours that had fluid in the cavity, seemed fine to me!

 

[Baymule]

Don't think I'd eat THAT liver! And I looooovvvvveesssss me some chicken livers! Hope the rest of your flock is OK!

 

[Firefighter Chick]

fatty liver disease caused from obesity or chf?

 

[mmktdox]

Sounds like congestive heart failure which lead to ascites. Was the fluid clear and yellowish? I've lost some to that before I started restricting feed. Check out this link, it explains it better than I can.

http://www.canadianpoultry.ca/ascites.htm

We ate ours that had fluid in the cavity, seemed fine to me!

Sorry should have clarified, we ate the chicken, not the liver!!

 

[MikeG]

UPDATE:
Processed on Saturday. 53/75 Cx survived their 8-week food fest. 30% mortality.

Of the survivors, most had inflamed, pallid livers and fluid around their hearts. Some of our family loves chicken livers but I'm suggesting to compost this batch.

They were on unrestricted feed for the first 6 weeks and then restricted when we started losing them.

After a batch like this, we're considering freedom rangers next...

Thanks all!