maybe next weekend (growl)..DH talked me into it

[roosmom]

Four days til chicken harvest. Being first timers and scared to death, I am seeking words of wisdom. I want this to go as GOOD as possible. The DH has processed partridge, pheasant and goose. But those are birds of a different feather. SO, what SECRETS are lurking out there that are just screaming to be told to an inexperienced processor? Hubby hopes to build a plucker, I have had people tell me to pull off the little feathers with wax. We plan on using the construction cone method. Anyone have any hints?

 

[miss_jayne]

if your DH has done goose, he's probably going to have this licked. you guys can do it!

(trust me, if i did, you can, because i had never done anything but helped gut deer!)

 

[justpete]

How many birds?

 

[mtnhomechick]

Do you have a plucker?

 

[AllChookUp]

Per Sir Paul McCartney: "Let It Be".

Sorry couldn't resist.

Here's a GREAT thread with a lot of what you are looking for, thanks to our very own ninjapoodles:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=83181&p=1

.

 

[mtnhomechick]

Quote:
oops.......didn't see you are building one. For pin feathers I used one of those kitchen scouring pads that 3m makes. If you gently scrub back and forth, it either takes them out or loosens them. Good Luck.

 

[roosmom]

Justpete and mtnhomechick, we are culling 14 birds from the flock. hubby is supposed to build a plucker.
Allchookup, I appreciate the thread. I did a lot of looking on here for info before I posted this question. BUT I know people have found things out that would make it easier for the next person, that is why I asked. I really appreciated the video, didnt see that before. I would love to see a picture of this pithing since a lot of people are doing it, or at least a very graphic description.

 

[corancher]

Make sure you watch your water temp. Put a couple of drop of dish soap in the water. Good luck.

 

[roosmom]

Hmmm, ok
Drops of dishsoap in water
Scrubby pad
Watch water temp
Rolled up newspaper
Try dry plucking first
Garbage bags
Dont chicken out - be strong
No feed 12hrs before
Running water is helpful
Comfortable work height
Sharp knives
Take your time
Be ready to chg plans
Have some whiskey ready for medicinal purposes
Post high enough to hang chickies from to pluck
Remember to label organs!



Thank you. Are there anymore out there?

 

[jackiedon]

In the past we have used the axe but last week we tried the pithing and then cutting the juglar. My husband first thought I was crazy. Don't think we did the pithing correctly but the cutting the juglar was much cleaner.

We pluck dry because I can't stomach the smell of the wet feathers. We were able to pluck with no problems. Of course we don't eat the wing so we cut the wings off.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

jackie