Processed bird has red skin

[hrt4desh]

Can anyone tell me why this bird had red skin when we processed him last night? He wasn't bruised as I was very careful to carry him from the coop because of his size. It's not been overly hot lately either. He was a Bresse that was just over a year old. We skinned him but wanted to make sure he is OK to eat.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Geena]

Definitely not bruised, on chickens bruises are normally green. Was it only on the bottom of the cockerel? Maybe he'd been laying on something that irritated his skin? Most likely the meat is fine to eat as long as it is well cooked. But personally, if I came across one that looked like that, it would be dog food.

 

[hrt4desh]

Thank you for your input! He was a rooster that was very active and rarely laying around. After more research, it might be mites. But I thought I'd check here first.

 

[Geena]

it might be mites.

Could be, but you'd think if he had mites that bad they would have been crawling up your arms while you were carrying him. Did you check your other chickens to see if any of them have mites or red skin as well?

 

[hrt4desh]

We have had some other issues. We're in the process now of going through and checking them. He was almost asleep when I pulled him out. He would have given me a good thrashing regardless had he been off the roost.

Thank you for responding! I'll keep checking around.