Thanks so much for all of that info, Google and other threads on BYC weren't giving me much info other than fluid happens with CHF. The meat is safe to eat though, right? It's not like they are 'diseased' or anything so the meat should be fine. I didn't see anything saying the meat would be okay, but I did see BYC members saying they won't eat them if they are full of fluid. I can always just give it to the dog, but it really doesn't seem like it should be an issue... unless I'm overlooking something.
My meaties are almost 9 weeks, but they are Cornish 'roasters' from MCM so they are supposed to take a few extra weeks... I also have them on regular feed (16%) and free ranging so they are growing a bit slower. I lost a couple when they were sharing the brooder with the turkeys and eating higher protein food. Haven't lost any (other than this one) since I put them outside. I don't mind the slower growth if it means they will be happier and healthier. If we decide not to process the rest this weekend (I'm going to weigh a couple and see what their live weights look like), we'll have to wait two weeks because we'll be out of town next weekend. **Back to Allentown, if anyone has anything for the Chicken Express!
Some of you might get a chuckle at this... I was just making lunch with my almost 4 year old and I sometimes make up goofy sing-songy lyrics to keep her interested in what we are doing. I had a cold baking dish with a leftover roast chicken in it (we were making chicken with gravy and egg noodles), I made a roux and then it was time to add the chicken juices for the gravy, but they had solidified since it had been in the fridge. I didn't want her to think it was weird so I made up a little song...
"Chicken jelly, chicken jelly
In the pot, in the pot
It's gonna make good gravy, it's gonna make good gravy
When it's hot, when it's hot"
She had fun helping me scoop up the 'chicken jelly' and started singing the song too. It was precious and will be pretty funny if she starts singing it out in public somewhere!