What now? (Question for Chicken-eattin' folk)

[SQContrary]

A bobcat got one of our chickens this morning... we caught it in the act. My husband fired and missed and the bobcat dropped "Monkey" and escaped. So...

Should I clean her and cook her up? She is not mangled. I have never done it before but my husband suggested we do it for a 'science project' today. Or maybe for Home Ec.

Any reason not to?

Thoughts? Suggestions? Wisdom? Advice?


Thanks!!
Shari

 

[boxermom]

I would. Trauma killed it, not disease or something unknown. It's too bad it died before it was supposed to, but why waste it? I would wash it very well though.

 

[Illia]

Quote:
Right there.

 

[SQContrary]

Thanks! This is my first try cleaning a chicken.... so far so messy. I wasn't expecting hairs in there with the feathers! Maybe they are tiny feathers... the chickens are only 3 months old and this one was one of the smaller ones. It may not be worth the trouble but I figure "waste not, want not" and "practice makes perfect" etc.

Thanks again!

 

[southerndesert]

I would wonder if the cat was a carrier of any disease..... Sometimes you just do not know.

 

[EMAW]

I wouldn't worry to much as long as you wash it well. I lost count of how many birds that died of trauma (me shooting them) only to be retrieved in the mouth of my dog and we are all still alive after eating them all.

I am sorry for your loss. Be careful the bobcat will probably be back.

 

[boxermom]

Those hairs are pin feathers. DH taught me to burn them off. I use a small torch for making creme brule, but you could use a lighter or candle or anything else that has a flame. If you miss a few, it won't hurt anything.

Don't worry about a mess the first time or it taking a long time. With practice, you'll get your routine down.

 

[SQContrary]

Thanks!

I am chalking it up to practice!

 

[bobbi-j]

Personally, I would not eat a chicken that has been bitten by a predator, but that's just me. If I did, I'd cut away the meat that had been in contact with the meat. Enjoy your meal and your science project! Good for you for taking advantage of the learning experience.