chicken plucker question

[SOlace30]

Happy Monday, processing my first batch off meat birds this week. Prior to throwing them in the plucker do I need to sterilize the feather/skin area from one bird to the next? is there any issue of contamination I should be worried about?. Does the dip in the hot water cover that just not sure.

thank you

 

[RoosterML]

I change the scalding water when it gets dirty. About every 10 birds. I have a table with a faucet so I am always rinsing the bird while handling. One final good rinse before it goes in the ice bath.

 

[iwltfum]

You should be spraying cold water on the bird while plucking. It essentially rinses out the plucker every time you run it so there's no reason to sterilize the birds before or after plucking them. In fact, I don't think there is ever a reason to sterilize your chicken at anytime during or after the butchering process.

Not only does the spray keep it clean, but it's an essential part of how the mechanics of the plucker work. The cold blast helps in shrinking the skin around the feather follicles to help them pop out easier and the constant running water keeps the loose feathers clear of the fingers so they can grab feathers that are still attached to the bird.

 

[SOlace30]

thank you all for the advise!!