Processed 3 ducklings,4 mo and it was different

[chooniecat]

They were mutts from unexpected hatch and given as I don't trust people enough to "rehome" them we processed. I had never cooked duck before and it turned out ok after the 2nd attempt but the processing was gross. They had glands on their tails that I THOUGHT were part of the "drake" feathers but looking up diagrams it now looks like a "preening" gland???? Had thick yellow ooze coming out. ICH! Does anyone know what that is definitively?

 

[petrel]

Preening gland. Officially known as the Uropygial gland, I think. Some duck folk will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[chooniecat]

TY. It was such a gross substance involved I figured it was a "scent gland" type thing given as they were all drakes. Learning!

 

[BCMaraniac]

They were mutts from unexpected hatch and given as I don't trust people enough to "rehome" them we processed. I had never cooked duck before and it turned out ok after the 2nd attempt but the processing was gross. They had glands on their tails that I THOUGHT were part of the "drake" feathers but looking up diagrams it now looks like a "preening" gland???? Had thick yellow ooze coming out. ICH! Does anyone know what that is definitively?

Chickens have the same thing, and you have to remove it or it makes the meat taste bad.......I would assume the same holds true for ducks.

 

[chooniecat]

Chickens have the same thing, and you have to remove it or it makes the meat taste bad.......I would assume the same holds true for ducks.

Eewwwwwwwwww. Will have to pay more attention with next chicken I do. Have never noticed on them. Probably smaller/in a different location? I learn everyday. I generally skin the chickens we've eaten so thats probably why I haven't seen them.

 

[BCMaraniac]

Eewwwwwwwwww. Will have to pay more attention with next chicken I do. Have never noticed on them. Probably smaller/in a different location? I learn everyday. I generally skin the chickens we've eaten so thats probably why I haven't seen them.

I usually just cut the whole tail off.....problem solved.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

Yup, I just cut the whole tail off too.