Whizbang Plucker

The 30-50 I was quoted was for USED and the Spencer guy was 20 miles further than where the others where from me. 20x2=40 miles total. gas was450 when I filled up Saturday so for 1-21 buck savings I'll give the RK a call to the office to confirm price, but for a buck and not having to make a pickup time it may be easier for me to get one from them.

Some great info here guys!

I'm considering raising a small flock meat birds here (UK) this spring. Space is limited so I aim to fatten about only a dozen or so Cobbs/Hubbard types for my own freezer. I'm new to meat birds although I have a half-dozen eggers who serve me well, but I want to try and produce some quality table birds.

I have plucked culled chickens before and I know what a PITA it is so I like the idea of a Whizbang. I'm going to invest in the book soon it will be worth it I'm sure.

I think I can scrounge up a lot of the material, timber, barrel and screws, nuts, bolts. The main expense though seems to be the motor pulleys and shaft/plate fingers etc. I'm optimistic about getting a good cheap used motor, but don't think I'll skimp on the rest as I would like to build a device that will stand the test so to speak. I've spotted a few offers on e-Bay and Amazon I think that's the best course to take for the more costly items.

Anyway, I'm using Google SketchUp to design my plucker. If anyone is interested I will post a link to the SketchUp model (when it's finished) here.

Here's a pic of the model progress so far.




CdT

coop-de-tat said:

Some great info here guys! I'm considering raising a small flock meat birds here (UK) this spring. Space is limited so I aim to fatten about only a dozen or so Cobbs/Hubbard types for my own freezer. I'm new to meat birds although I have a half-dozen eggers who serve me well, but I want to try and produce some quality table birds. I have plucked culled chickens before and I know what a PITA it is so I like the idea of a Whizbang. I'm going to invest in the book soon it will be worth it I'm sure. I think I can scrounge up a lot of the material, timber, barrel and screws, nuts, bolts. The main expense though seems to be the motor pulleys and shaft/plate fingers etc. I'm optimistic about getting a good cheap used motor, but don't think I'll skimp on the rest as I would like to build a device that will stand the test so to speak. I've spotted a few offers on e-Bay and Amazon I think that's the best course to take for the more costly items. Anyway, I'm using Google SketchUp to design my plucker. If anyone is interested I will post a link to the SketchUp model (when it's finished) here. Here's a pic of the model progress so far. CdT

Click to expand...

I agree. The person making mine is having a tough time with keeping the plate secured. I may have to splurge and by the metal plate., shaft and another part. Definitely not a $20.00 plucker like the You Tube videos depict.

Im having a little trouble with mine. the motor seems to slow down when I put the chicken in the plucker then it stops. just one chicken now. I bought the kit off Ebay. 16" pully. What could be the problem??

I want to build a plucker this summer, it sounds like most of you have hard time getting the barrels, luckily for me they are abundant here, always on craigslist for 8-15 dollars depending on size. Luckily for me I can get them from work for nothing. Ours hold food grade product also so I won't have to worry about nasty chemicals or such being on them. The shafts, pulleys, and motors I will have to find a source for.

I doubt the motor is actually slowing down. More probably, the belt is slipping. You need an idler pulley on a spring to constantly tighten or hold the belt against the pulleys. An idler pulley allows for an extra long belt - more surface contact on the pulleys - and eliminates the 'slowing down' issue. You can get a book online about how to set up the idler pulley if you need help. You can also just look at about any lawnmower deck and see how it works, too.

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Or even pop the hood of your automobile, most all have them, unfortunattley that little part caused me no end of hassle when the belt broke on my minivan and got tangled up in it!