The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: DenisCooper on March 23, 2019, 04:53:50 am

Title: Plucking
Post by: DenisCooper on March 23, 2019, 04:53:50 am

Hi

I’m planning on putting a number of eggs in the incubator next week and from the hatchings I’ll no doubt get a number of cockerels. I’m
Thinking these will end up been table birds.

I’ve hand plucked before with the odd one or two but any more than a couple will take quite a while. I was looking at these plucking machines on eBay.

http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=173717020552&category=177801&pm=1&ds=0&t=1547144612000&ver=0&cspheader=1 (http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=173717020552&category=177801&pm=1&ds=0&t=1547144612000&ver=0&cspheader=1)

Has anyone used these before and do they really work like the you tube videos show?

Thanks
Denis

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: chrismahon on March 23, 2019, 07:18:30 am

They do work, but according to a study by the University of Arkansas, result in 2 ½ times tougher meat. The key element to plucking is the 'scalding' beforehand, which is immersing the carcass in hot water for a short period. The actual temperature varies between 52 and 60 degrees- subject to experiment. The hotter the water the easier the feathers come out but also the easier the skin tears. Young birds will be quite delicate and need a lower temperature. Storey's guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow covers the subject in detail.


If you didn't scald your chickens first DenisCooper, that will by why hand plucking took so long. You will need a vary large pot sufficient to immerse the chicken fully without overflowing. It will probably be too big for your cooker so you will need a floor standing burner. This is something we are looking at as we intend to breed for meat next year.

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: macgro7 on March 23, 2019, 08:37:02 am

I used to put birds in the sink and put kettle water over them. It works very well on softening the feathers but obviously scales the skin so depending on what you want to do with the bird it might not be the best option.

If you think plucking a chicken is difficult - try to pluck a duck or a goose. Chicken will take 10 mins. A goose 2 hours.

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: DenisCooper on March 23, 2019, 09:25:49 am

Thanks.

I’ve only tried dry plucking so far so will
Give the wet plucking a go and see
How I get on.

Thank you

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 23, 2019, 10:08:07 am

We always aim to pluck the choox immediately, while the body is still warm.  Saves having to reheat the feathers and skin later ;)