The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Skirza on December 10, 2011, 02:01:22 pm

Title: Plucking
Post by: Skirza on December 10, 2011, 02:01:22 pm

We dispatched our 1st turkey this morning and I plucked while it was still warm. It went well but I seem to be left with some tiny black quills under the skin on the breast. Did I do something wrong...is there an easy way to remove them? Advice would be greatly appreciated  :-[

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: robert waddell on December 10, 2011, 02:07:29 pm

a pair of pliars to grip them :farmer:

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: Skirza on December 10, 2011, 02:13:22 pm

but they're tiny and right under the skin. I can squeeze them  out a little way and grip them with tweezers, but it's painstakingly slow  :(

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: jaykay on December 10, 2011, 04:15:00 pm

That is the only way I know. I think they're new feathers on the way through.

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: deepinthewoods on December 10, 2011, 05:08:23 pm

leave them!! they just go crispy (and tasty) when cooked and you cant really see them.

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: manian on December 10, 2011, 05:57:27 pm

just leave them
they dissolve on cooking,
just warn people about them and explain that they are normal in norfolk backs
Mx :turkey: :turkey: :yum: :yum:

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: JEP on December 12, 2011, 07:58:48 pm

i squeeze the out
worst ones are the norfolk blacks but the best tasting and just right for us

Title: Re: Plucking
Post by: princesspiggy on December 13, 2011, 08:04:08 pm

i use tweezers.
thats why white birds are so popular - cos they are still there not not as obvious.
say its proof they are the real macoy!