Processing carcasses after predator attack.

[nikbrown]

So a month ago a pack of coyotes got our duck flock

They took 4 of them off and left the other 5 decapitated. The temperature that night was 10degrees.... so when I found the 5 bodies in the morning they were frozen solid.

The only damage I could see was they were missing their necks and heads... so I threw them in the freezer thinking I may be able to salvage some meat from the sad situation.

I’ve processed ducks in the past (when we’ve had and excess of drakes).

Can I just partially defrost them and just cut off the breast and legs? Or is the meat no good because the blood wasn’t properly drained? Any ideas if I can salvage anything from this?

 

[LizzzyJo]

I am so sorry for your losses.

I appreciate your sustainability thought process here, but diseases are rampant in coyote populations. Blood and saliva both transmit diseases that freezing will preserve and heat will not always kill. I would call it a very sad loss and throw them out.

 

[nikbrown]

That was on my mind.... and one of the reasons I came to ask. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Mosey2003]

It might be okay, but I would not. Disease and other risks aside, the meat likely wouldn't be as good due to stress/adrenaline. Our food is plentiful enough that I do not take risks in processing.

 

[Molpet]

Meat would be as stressed as wild game shot
I would cut out the wound.... but I waste not want not
You have to do what your comfortable with.

 

[Folly's place]

I've never been that hungry!
There is definitely a disease risk doing this, so I'd bury them deep and be sad. If you do process them, use gloves at least.
Mary

 

[CindyinSD]

There’s a reason Moses forbade eating meat from animals torn by wild beasts. It’s dangerous. Plus, it’s gonna be a big headache, what with them all frozen and not yet eviscerated. As they thaw, any surviving microbial populations will quickly revive and spread. I hate waste too, but this isn’t worth risking the health of your family. Put them in the trash, not the compost pile—or better, bury them.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Sloppy 2nds from a coyote? No way! Its a terrible waste and sorry for your loss, but you just have to bite the bullet on this one