Weird coloration on fat when processing 10 mo. old layers GRAPHIC PICS

[GardenHarpy]

Culled two easter egger hens for personality/conformation issues, and two males under 6mo. The males looked fine, but the girls had some very large fat deposits and a weird green mottling? I double checked the bile duct and I'm pretty sure I didn't knick it. Anyone know what could do that and if the girls are safe to eat?

 

[Ridgerunner]

The amount of fat is totally normal. Before they even start to lay hens or pullets build up a lot of excess fat, mostly in a fat pad in the pelvic area but they can put some fat layers throughout their body cavity and on different organs. I've butchered enough pullets, hens, cockerels, and roosters so that difference in amount of fat between boys and girls is obvious.

I don't have an explanation for that color though, don't remember ever seeing anything like it. Pretty sure that is not from the gall bladder or bile duct. It looks like it was on the outside of the fat pad, like a powder had been dusted in there.

If you are in the USA I'd be tempted to put it in the fridge and contact your county extension office Monday to chat about it. To me it is strange that both girls would have it.

 

[Artichoke Lover]

The amount of fat is totally normal. Before they even start to lay hens or pullets build up a lot of excess fat, mostly in a fat pad in the pelvic area but they can put some fat layers throughout their body cavity and on different organs. I've butchered enough pullets, hens, cockerels, and roosters so that difference in amount of fat between boys and girls is obvious.

I don't have an explanation for that color though, don't remember ever seeing anything like it. Pretty sure that is not from the gall bladder or bile duct. It looks like it was on the outside of the fat pad, like a powder had been dusted in there.

If you are in the USA I'd be tempted to put it in the fridge and contact your county extension office Monday to chat about it. To me it is strange that both girls would have it.

2x Very Strange.

 

[GardenHarpy]

I appreciate your input!

Well drat, this was a little while back so I don't have those organs anymore, and I'm pretty sure it was only on those internal fat pads. And you're right, it did look like it was strictly on the surface.

The girls were the same age and from the same hatchery. And the last set of girls who were here when we moved in didn't have that green mottling. I'll try the extension office in the new year. Thank you!