plucking problem

[Oneacre Homestead]

Hi, I had a problem the other day when I tried to pluck my x rocks. The skin tore. I was dry picking soon after death. This is what I usually do, without problems. Anyone know how to keep the skin from tearing on these big birds?

 

[fried green eggs]

We scaled ours in water in a propane turkey fryer and feathers came off pretty easy, skin stayed on.

 

[bigredfeather]

Either water was too hot or you scalded too long or combination of both. I scald at 145 degrees for 45 seconds when plucking with my Whizbang.

 

[Oregon Blues]

That's interesting. Skin shouldn't tear when dry plucking. My only guess is that you were trying to pull too many feathers at the same time.

 

[QualityPolish]

Agree with Oregon It's like a human scalping (this is going to sound like a weird reference, I've never scalped anyone before just we had this lecture back in the day of welding class) When you try to pull out one or two of your own hairs it's easy right? When you go for an entire cluster, it pulls the scalp up with it. This goes for the bird as well Hope it helps and good luck next time,