Washing the carcass

[Brunty_Farms]

Isn't the reason for raising your own poultry, to avoid soap and chlorine? I don't know about you but I would rinse it off and cook it. It happens and over time you will learn not to do it. Depending on how they are raised there shouldn't be near the bacteria in the fecal count as ones raised in confinement that have contact with their feces and dead birds almost daily.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
I agree. Wash it off and cook it. But I don't agree with the thought that the fecal count will be lower in our birds. A chicken's guts is the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. It is the right temperature with plenty of food and moisture. It does not matter if they are free range, organic, or raised in confinement, that environment for bacteria growth is the same and bacteria of all kinds are everywhere in the environment. I know how mine are treated and, although they free range, I have a fairly good idea about what they are eating or not eating. I like the way mine taste. But since mine free range, I suspect mine are probably exposed to more different types of bacteria than chickens raised in confinement.

Never think that the risk of bacteria is less in our bird's meat or our eggs for that matter. It is just not true. The risk is always there and proper handling is always required.

 

[PatS]

Thanks to the original poster. I made the same oopsie a couple of days ago, washed off the bird with soap, and kept going. I'm glad to know for sure all will be fine when I cook it properly (he's in the freezer resting comfortably).

 

[beerman]

Ok Do not keep your bird between 41 and 140 those are the temperature danger zones. It must be cooked to a internal temp of 165. Also the only 3 methods to defrost your bird are in refrigeration, cold running water or the microwave. Do not let it sit on the table to thaw.
And the most important thing is wash your hands, most food born illness is due to cross contamination. Don't cut your chicken and then chop lettuce on the same board.
I am a chef and Illinois licensed food safety manager

Over 1,000,000 served and no fatalities. Well that they can pin on me

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Quote:
I agree. Wash it off and cook it. But I don't agree with the thought that the fecal count will be lower in our birds. A chicken's guts is the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. It is the right temperature with plenty of food and moisture. It does not matter if they are free range, organic, or raised in confinement, that environment for bacteria growth is the same and bacteria of all kinds are everywhere in the environment. I know how mine are treated and, although they free range, I have a fairly good idea about what they are eating or not eating. I like the way mine taste. But since mine free range, I suspect mine are probably exposed to more different types of bacteria than chickens raised in confinement.

Never think that the risk of bacteria is less in our bird's meat or our eggs for that matter. It is just not true. The risk is always there and proper handling is always required.

Salatin did a report on feces from his pastured broilers and two of the major " food borne killers" were not present in his poultry's manure. I'm not saying it's not safe, just lower or non existent.


ETA: I guess after further reading it was present but only at the fraction of the levels of one from a supermarket. But I would still just make sure to cook it... don't lick it raw.

 

[Looking4ewes]

Okay - Got it! No licking raw chicken!

 

[Brunty_Farms]