Meat okay to eat?

[rovergirl]

Hi All,

I have some older layers I am thinking of processing for soup chickens because they are slowing way down on egg laying. The only thing stopping me is some of the birds have some minor upper respiatory problems (a little runny nose, a few watery eyes and an occasional sneeze-but everyone is still eating and doing things normaly) and I am wondering is it okay to eat the birds that have problems? Thank you for any help!

Becky

 

[SillyChicken]

that would be tough to answer... If I said yeah sure, and ya'll get sick..

I'd pick up some antibiotics at TSC, get them healthy and eating good. Allow a few weeks to get the medication out of their system, and then process them. Wouldn't cost more than 5-8$., and cheaper than a Dr visit for you.

 

[Bossroo]

When fully and properly cooked, all bacteria are killed.

 

[Chicken.Lytle]

Quote:
What about a virus? Antibiotic won't touch that. If it were me, I'd let them get better naturally first.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

many people eat wheezy old hens. A snuffy nose is not going to affect the parts you eat, can you imagine the commercial poultry industry checking every bird to see if it had a stuffy nose before butchering? As stated by Bossroo proper cooking will kill bacteria.
I would NOT suggest administering antibiotics and then consuming the meat, and antibiotics would not help a virus anyways.
Most birds carry weak strains of viruses in them anyway that you never even know about, if they were my birds I would butcher and consume.

 

[zowieyellowflame]

Please, no! No antibiotics!
I think you should eat them as long as what you say is true..... normal otherwise. just sneezing, off with their heads!

 

[phasianidae]

I wouldnt eat them.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Quote:
you do make me laugh!

 

[rovergirl]

Thanks for the input everyone!!!!