Here when temps run 50 to 40 degrees I will let it hang for up to 2 days when temps run from 40 to 30 degrees I will let hang for 5 days. I haven't had any problems with it. If it is hanging around 50 degree mark I will put black pepper on all open areas to keep the blow flies of it. For as far as cooling it down quickly I do not like to do that. If it cools down to quickly I can not stand the taste of it. If it is to warm I will quarter it and put in frigde for about 2 days..