The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Gingerninjer on December 20, 2015, 08:30:02 am

Title: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Gingerninjer on December 20, 2015, 08:30:02 am: Hi all. New to this site ( have been loitering for a while )
Need some help with hanging times on bronze turkeys

Temps are relatively high.
I will be hanging in a barn wrapped in muslin.
Having read a bit it seems. Hanging up to 10 days is normal with lower temps.
With higher temps (expected 12 13 15 next few days ). Will it be ok to hang till wed . Then draw .

Thx.
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Eve on December 21, 2015, 12:06:04 pm: I wouldn't risk it, can't you put it in the fridge on a rack (for air circulation)?
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Gingerninjer on December 21, 2015, 12:33:02 pm: well they were dispathched yesterday
so have been hung overnight ..... ! :fc:

ill try get em in the fridge tonight ....
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Paulie on December 22, 2015, 10:24:08 am: I'm in the same position as you gingerninjer, I have 5 hanging in the barn today is day four and they will be dressed tomorrow, I have had my concerns but im follwing advice from my local game keeper, they was checked by him last night and he says they are just fine. I'm feeling confident now.
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Gingerninjer on December 22, 2015, 10:27:32 am: HI Paulie

i gave in to pressure from my wife that she didnt want to poison any body !!
so now in fridge till wednesday when they will be drawn

do u birds still have rigor mortis?? the legs on mine still seem stiff ( they were hung by legs )

cheers and good luck
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Paulie on December 22, 2015, 12:01:31 pm: Cheers! I've not handled them much since they have been hanging as following strict instructions but, killed Friday, solid Saturday wings were supple on Sunday. My instructions are (rite or wrong) people my disagree especially if selling to the public! To check neck and chest cavity daily for turning green :-/ neck means give him a txt, if I see green veins creeping into the chest cavity we've not got much time!!

I was to nervouse to sell mine in case we didn't go through with it or friend let me down, so the 2 large ones are going to my sister 1 for Christmas and 1 for Easter a small 1 for me and 2 for the freezer. My sisters 2 cover my costs so I'm happy!

Paul
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Gingerninjer on December 22, 2015, 12:06:36 pm: how do u check neck/ chest cavity ..???
mine are hung complete?
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Paulie on December 22, 2015, 12:45:52 pm: Looking for discolouration externally, the skin over the chest cavity. Mine are showing no signers of discolouration or odour and not seen any bugs lurking. So I think things are looking good for tomorrow.

I should prob add for any newbies like myself! this is advice from an old time gamekeeper and probably not good practise for lots of reasons.
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Gingerninjer on December 24, 2015, 08:41:06 am: is it ok to use the giblets ( heart n liver) for stock? after hangiong ??
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Paulie on December 24, 2015, 08:50:14 am: I've been told yes.
Title: Re: Turkey hanging times
Post by: Hevxxx99 on December 24, 2015, 01:12:56 pm: Don't use the liver as it makes the stock taste funny. Fry that up and have it on toast: yummy! The gizzard and neck along with the heart are the usual stock ingredients.