Processing a wounded chicken

[Christy610]

My very determined Bull Terrier got into my pen of Cornish Xs today. I thought my pen was secure but she pulled the chicken wire out of the staples and got through Two of my six birds were injured. They are six weeks old tomorrow, definitely old enough to eat. One was clearly seriously wounded, so I processed it. The other has a little blood on its comb, but I can find no serious wounds, although there could be internal damage and it's clearly affected by what happened. It can walk, and is responsive. I'm not sure whether to go ahead and process this bird or not. I'm assuming the meat from an injured (not ill) bird is safe to eat? I'm thinking I saw a thread about a similar situation and it was decided the meat was still safe. I washed it well, and while there were a few puncture wounds, for the most part everything seems fine. However, just wanted to get some second thoughts before I proceed. Thanks in advance.

 

[Life is Good!]

If you processed the bird pretty close to immediatly, then yes, the meat is safe to eat.

As for the second bird - it could be "shell-shocked" and/or injured internally, as you said. I know when our layers watched the depletion of the CX flock, they were not quite the same for a few days! And then they were definately freaked out by a fox attack at dusk two nights in a row (before we found the hole in the fence and got it plugged up). Five months later, and they STILL are in the coop long long long before dusk! (Dusk is now about 7pm, they're in the coop by 5pm! Rooster won't let them linger!)

If the second bird still isn't "right' today, I'd consider culling it. Especially if it's nearly ready to market. That way, if there are internal injuries, the bird will be healthy enough to process and enjoy. HTH.

 

[Christy610]

Thanks, LIG. We did process the second bird. After closer inspection he ended up having a broken wing, and I didnt want him to suffer. The meat from both seemed fine, there were no bites or such to the bodies. Good enough for soup, anyway.