Are gutting and peeling ducks any different than chickens?

[jason_mazzy]

I have a large peking Drake I may be willing to do away with in as I am thinking of replacing him with a few welsh harlequins. The peking and a cayuga I have are so large compared to my khakis, that I figure if I'm gonna lay one down to get more ducks it should be the only breed that doesn't have any mallard in it. Seeing as the cayuga and the welsh's and the khakis can make a pretty cross I figure the Peking is my only choice left. So I am wondering if it is as simple as gutting, removing the head and scalding the bird (then plucking), or if there is more things I should consider when butchering? Yes this will be my first duck. But I have done small hand birds before.

 

[jason_mazzy]

guessing it is the same by lack of replies lol

 

[95yj]

I've never butchered ducks, so take this with a grain of salt, but i think i heard that ducks are a little different when it comes to scalding and plucking since their feathers are oily and water proof.

 

[Talihofarms]

Older ducks are more difficult to pluck.
Add drop of dish detergent to scald water.
Dip in and out several times.
Increase scald temp around 155.





Good Luck

 

[jaj121159]

With ducks, I skin them. I open the skin up below the neck and peel it back. Cut out the breasts. Then continue the skinning and pull back over the legs after cutting off the legs at the first knee. Cut off the leg quarters. No muss, little blood and very little guts. Works great.