Plucking question

[GardenWeasel]

I know your meat only birds are not raised long enough to molt but imagine some of you have had to cull older layers. Is it harder or easier to pluck them when they are in molt? I have some older sex links who need to go and they are in varying stages of molt.

 

[Azriel]

I don't know about butchering when they are in molt. I know I dont like to do the roosters that have been picked on in the rooster pen and are just starting to grow feathers back, it makes them much harder to pluck. If they have not started growing feathers back yet or if you skin them it should be fine.

 

[Wax Myrtle]

I don't know about butchering when they are in molt. I know I dont like to do the roosters that have been picked on in the rooster pen and are just starting to grow feathers back, it makes them much harder to pluck. If they have not started growing feathers back yet or if you skin them it should be fine.

X2

I've processeed a cockerel before who had approx 20% pins. Massive pita. I'd either skin or wait. I hand pluck, tho, so ymmv.