Two CX questions...

[DadandJB]

I figured out the problem. I bought a new garden hose so it would reach the processing area. I used that hose to fill the cooler with ice water and also to clean and rinse the birds. I checked the water coming out of the hose, and it was NASTY! That's where the chemically, gamey aweful taste and smell came from. I just processed 4 more birds with water from the kitchen only. No weird smells at all. I expect these birds will taste as they should.

So, to anyone that is about to process birds, check the water coming from the hose, especially if it is a new hose!

 

[Evangelina]

Did you ever switch them from starter to grower/finisher?
Just my personal interest

 

[DadandJB]

No, I left them on the 24% starter the entire time.

 

[SIMZ]

Mystery solved!! Aren't you glad you only did a few that time and not all of them?! Whew!