Can I eat this??

[Blackbird]

Ok, so tonight when I went out my mom's big BR tom was keeled over. I suspect from heart issues but I'm not sure. It was stiff, obviously. Now my mom is away right now, and my dad is one that eats moldy food, so I know he would say to clean it.

I was over at BYC and read a similar situation and people said not to eat it. One person said that it could be filled with deadly bacterias and such. I would love some fresh turkey though. I guess I trust you guys more.. Can I still process him and eat him? He's nice and big and I think it would be such a waste to just throw him out... please.. please say yes I can eat him!

Also, it is 50 degrees out. He was inside the shed on the cement floor, been dead only a couple hours I reckon.

 

[journey11]

Well, if you know for sure that it's only been a couple hours and the carcass is not torn and the turkey was not scrawny/sickly looking, I'd say you'd be ok. Only thing is, it didn't bleed out, which will make the meat quality less than it could be. I don't think it will hurt you though. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly.

ETA: (Look for the intestines to be intact when you process it. Any yucky bacteria would start there.)

 

[Farmfresh]

This maybe a totally unqualified answer but I have been watching the BBC series "River Cottage" a bit too much lately.

In England they seem to kill birds and then let them hang for a day or more before they eat them. I guess a turkey that is a couple of hours old would probably be alright as well.

Just keep your eyes and nose open while you clean him. It IS possible that he consumed something toxic or died from a cause like that but you can probably tell if his heart was responsible when you clean him.

Next I would make SURE he was well cooked.

Saying all of that now do not go getting sick on me ... do you hear!!

 

[freemotion]

Hijack....I've been looking for that series, where can I find it? Online? On tv? When? etc...

 

[Blackbird]

YAY! You just made my night!

I guess I'm just used to making something dead, then processing it.. not having it dead to begin with.

I think I was more worried about the quality of the meat, I know a good cooking would kill any bad beasties. I do plan to put him in the crockpot when the time comes. Hmm..

Well I'll see what he looks like inside, I'll let you know,

 

[journey11]

Turkey autopsy...sounds like fun!

 

[Farmfresh]

Hijack....I've been looking for that series, where can I find it? Online? On tv? When? etc...

I am assuming you are asking about "River Cottage"?

If so http://factualtv.com/ search River Cottage! or try this link

http://factualtv.com/search/river%20cottage

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

Turkey autopsy...sounds like fun!

whoot!

Barnyard: CSI

que dramatic music
a tall man whips off his shades and looks into the distance, apparently speaking to no one

"looks like we got a case of noodles, boys"

WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
roll opening credits and music.......

 

[Beekissed]

Rare form, OFG! Rare form!


Love it......

BB, in the old days they would rip the skin off that puppy so fast it would make yer head spin! I'd say process that tom, watching the internals to see if you can determine a cause of death.

I'm one of the few people who feel that blood enhances the flavor of the meat and that animals don't have to "be bled out" to be of good flavor. Try telling that to someone who likes their steak medium rare......

If nothing else, I'd slab off the breasts and feed the dogs the rest. Butterfly those pieces, roll in flour and a dab of cornmeal, fry and enjoy....and forget about the possibility of getting ill.....heck, you have a greater chance of getting sick from touching a shopping cart handle.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

you have a greater chance of getting sick from touching a shopping cart handle.

ha! i'm one of those people who uses the bleach wipes! i so rarely am around people i'm afraid to touch ANYTHING -- especially at the grocery store!

hee hee hee - thanks Bee!