would you eat...?

[fitzilian]

Just found out i'm expecting my own little chick later this year and my doctor warned about Salmonella when we told him we kept chickens.

we had planned on eating a cockeral next week (he was supposed to be a she and would be our first attempt at eating out own)

he came from a farmer who kept about 2000 birds, and hatched his own. i didnt think to check if they'd been vaccinated at the time and even if i had, what i've heard about him since, i wouldnt trust him anyway...

what would you do? we have to dispatch the cockeral whatever as he's a noisy thing and the neighbours arent impressed....

[vicky]

Congratulations!!! What great news, there must be something in the Grapevine water at the moment....
I don't see a problem in eating the bird AS LONG AS HE'S WELL COOKED! No more risky than supermarket chicken
But don't get involved in the killing/prep, to me that seems more risky
But if you are at all unsure then it may be wisest to abstain, for your peace of mind

[lynda66]

i'd eat it, just make sure it's cooked properly ...... or if you're worried, stick him in the freezer till you've had the baby ...... but properly cooked is fine.

[Alison]

Salmonella is killed by heat so as long as it's cooked properly there is no risk - eat and enjoy the fact that you know it had a good and proper life and that you've made the proper connection with your food.

[Nicos]

First of all....Congratulations! Lovely news!!

Do you think the Dr was more concerned over the collecting/eating of eggs- and cleaning them out???

I have to admit that I had a 'funny tummy' 2 or 3 times over the first 3 weeks of getting our chooks and I did wonder if it was anything to do with them. OH was fine- but it is my weak spot
I reckon I was being a bit paranoid cos I've been fine since!

[Flummery]

Congratulations! Another vine baby. As everyone's said, heat kills salmonella - you'll be fine eating it.

[HeyWayne]

Congratulations! Excellent news - took me a couple of reads to get it, but I got there in the end.

I thought your thread was going to read "would you eat...an elephant?" What a programme!

[Noodle]

Congratulations!!
I'd say you'd be fine as well! Just make sure it's cooked through, and the same for the eggs! As others have said maybe don't prepare him for the oven.

[Growem]

A funny tummy during early stages of pregnancy can't be blamed solely on chickens, unless they are the direct root of morning sickness!

As everyone has said, make sure your chicken is cooked (as you would anyways, who likes raw chicken??) and make sure the area where you prep it is thoroughly cleaned. Don't do silly things like chopping up your tomatoes for salad on the same cutting board you just had your chicken.

And congrats

[lizzylemon]

Congratulations! Fab news - I hope it all goes well for you! My opinion is that if you are or have been eating organic chicken from the local super market you might as well go ahead and eat your boy - theres no difference as neither will have been vaccinated.

The chicken farmer who sold me the girls explained that organic means no chemicals (obviously) and so they don't get vacinnated. The only birds he ever has vaccinated are his Goldenlines as they're the main commercial egg layers breed but (and heres the silly bit) all vaccinated birds will test positive for Salmonella as they're injected with it as the vaccination.

No win situation I reckon. I was completely paranoid about my 10 month old Bambina catching Salmonella and E-Coli from the Chooks as I've only had them for a month or so. But now I'm pleased to say I've relaxed about it abit more and wash hands / surfaces just the same as I would normally and so far (touch wood) I haven't germed any of us .

Having said all of that, do what you're comfortable with - even if you get him on the table and fork to your mouth when you decide you don't want it. After all it's your pregnancy and you need to be happy with your decisions.

[di]

Congratulations on the baby news...how exciting!
As for the chicken...I'm sure as long as you cook it well then there should be no problems...but also totally get where you're coming from re the paranoia...I was awful when I was pregnant...fell hook line & sinker for all the scaremongering over food...for me the worry after that I'd eaten something I shouldn't have would cancel out any enjoyment of the meal!So,I agree with Lizzy...do what you feel comfortable with.
All the best with the rest of your pregnancy!xx

[MaureenHall]

That's wonderful news about the baby I'm thrilled to bits for you.

As everyone else has said, it's all a matter of common sense really isn't it. Throughout all my pregnancies I ate eggs, chicken, tuna, soft cheeses, drank wine and spirits (occasionally) and did most of the things that new mums-to-be these days are told not to do. I agree with the being careful bit but I think at times advice is taken just a bit too far. It's all a matter of being informed about the possible problems and making your own decisions

[frias]

That's wonderful news about the baby I'm thrilled to bits for you.

As everyone else has said, it's all a matter of common sense really isn't it. Throughout all my pregnancies I ate eggs, chicken, tuna, soft cheeses, drank wine and spirits (occasionally) and did most of the things that new mums-to-be these days are told not to do. I agree with the being careful bit but I think at times advice is taken just a bit too far. It's all a matter of being informed about the possible problems and making your own decisions

Those were the days weren't they Maureen. I also rode a horse and had a love of shellfish throughout my pregnancies. No warnings about the things that were bad for you then and we all survived.

[frias]

Sorry forgot to say congrats Fitzilian.

[fitzilian]

we've decided not to eat him... mainly cos our friends who also keep chickens have been trying for babies (but i'm not sure where they're up to) so she shouldnt prep him either AND he is a right whimp about actually touching suidgy insides...

so, we're going to dispatch him Wednesday night, cos the neighbours arent happy about the noise, and the eat a pre-frozen chicken i got from tesco (hubby will prepare this one for me!)


oh... and thanks for all the congrats! so dying to tell everyone i know but hubby is being super-cautious and wont let me tell a soul! apart from you guys!