Plucking for craft feathers

[Kiwibird]

I'm not sure if it is best to post this in here where processing is discussed, or in crafts, but I am going to process a rather pretty rooster today, and would like to try and do something decorative with the feathers. I generally dunk the chicken in hot water before plucking and tend to get the feathers sort of rolled up as I rub them off. The first time I ever processed a chicken I tried dry plucking and had difficulty pulling the feathers out, so a lot got bent in the process if memory serves. I'm thinking there must be an even better way. Any tips?

 

[Olive Hill]

The craft section may be a much better place to ask your question. Generally speaking, when processing for meat, we're not concerned with how the feathers look when they come off -- just that they come off.

If I were in your position I would carefully pull the feathers I wanted for crafts and then scald and pluck as usual thereafter.

 

[wvchics]

Maybe try using pliers to pluck from the base for the ones you want. I hear scalding gives them an odor. I just collect the feathers that fall all the time. If you get them quick enough they stay pristine.