Eddie wrote:

> I bought a Honeysuckle brand 13 pounder today. Fresh, not frozen.
> Paid a buck per lb.
> But now I'm thinking, did I buy too early? Is it ok to leave it in
> the refrigerator for 6 days? Usually I buy frozen, leave in the
> refrig freezer and change to the refrig for three days, or less if
> it's a smaller one.
> So, six days ok? Or should I put in freezer for three days and then
> to refrig for 3 more?
> Going to smoke in K7 using cherry wood only.
> Eddie

The dates on the packaging are important. Is there a use-by
or sell-by date? Is it vac-packed?

The conventional advise for poultry holding times is 1-2 days
refridgerated. This is *extremely* conservative though, and it
really refers to the maximum holding time beyond the sell-by
date.

<http://origin-www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Turkey_from_Farm_to_Table/index.asp>

--
Reg