Rigor Mortis

[Anonymous]

I killed my first cockerel yesterday, plucked it and hung it by the feet in an outside shed. Now 24 hours later, when I went to get it out to draw out the innards, I find it is stiff as a board still with rigor mortis. I had assumed the rigor would have passed by now. How long do others hang their birds for? Any other tips welcome.

 

[foxy]

Hi, it can take up to 24 hours for rigor to release, maybe your bird just needed a little longer We pluck and hang in a cool garage for usually 2 days for tender meat

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that foxy, I never realized that it took so long. I am learning as I go!

 

[ncotb]

I killed my first cockerel yesterday, plucked it and hung it by the feet in an outside shed. Now 24 hours later, when I went to get it out to draw out the innards, I find it is stiff as a board still with rigor mortis. I had assumed the rigor would have passed by now. How long do others hang their birds for? Any other tips welcome.

We did exactly the same as you on Monday, 1st time for dispatching for eating. Our neighbour gutted it but said to dispatch about an hour before gutting? well thats what he used to do. Tasted good though.