Processing Day Support Group ~ HELP us through the Emotions PLEASE!

[LindaB220]

they claim it doesn't. It has the 6 rubber fingers and can be found on Amazon. I think I like some of the homemade things better though!

But they stress that it must be a plug in drill. The others wear out too quick. I have not tried it yet. Just heresay.

 

[Bethel3330]

We made this for $15. Worked great for a few birds at a time. Tip: Use rubber bungee cords cut into straps as "plucker fingers". Harbor freight sells packs of these rubber bungee cords for like $5. When making cut in PVC cap for bungee, just use a drill & use a drill bit SMALLER than the size you need - drill holes the width of bungee and take time to push bungee thru. Better to have a snug fit than a loose bungee!

Then we tripped into the OCD (obsessive chicken disorder) and got one of these bad boys

awesome!! Thanks!! This totally looks like something my husband will put together.

 

[Bethel3330]

We had purchased that same kit with the drill attachment plucker.  Did 4 birds with it last October.  I pulled out the drill to use it the other day.  It sounded really weak, then died, completely.  I would have to say the drill plucker may not be a good idea after all...or maybe purchase a new drill and only use it for that purpose. 

hmm, I will see what hubby thinks. He may want to construct something more elaborate or not want to use his drills for this, like you suggest. Thanks!

 

[Bethel3330]

But they stress that it must be a plug in drill.  The others wear out too quick.  I have not tried it yet.  Just heresay.  

we have multiple batteries but, yeah, that'd be a pain!

 

[Bethel3330]

Thanks everyone! We'll try to rig something up here probably. I don't want to get into a lot of money initially but I don't want to spend ages doing the work either ;-)
I appreciate your input and pictures!

 

[Arielle]

Thanks everyone! We'll try to rig something up here probably. I don't want to get into a lot of money initially but I don't want to spend ages doing the work either ;-)
I appreciate your input and pictures!

THat is why I still hand pluck. 3 at a time is a comfortable number for my hands and my hot pot of water.

 

[Kassaundra]

Naked Necks, hand plucking takes 5 minutes tops.

 

[fisherlady]

2 things I have found with hand plucking...

1) make sure the water temp is right for a good scald... 155-160 works about perfect for us... and make sure you add a splash of soap to the water. Dunk and swirl till wing feathers pull easily.

2) I hate how the feathers get stuck all over my hands, so a large bowl or pot of cool water beside me so I can periodically rinse my hands off seems to make it go quicker. Maybe this one is just me... but figured I'd share it anyway.

When doing the initial plucking just get the majority of the feathers, then move the bird to the next step. After you are done with the butchering you will be able to go back over the bird on final rinse to look for missed feathers and such. I find that no matter how long I look for every feather on the initial pluck I always find missed ones after the bird is chilled and going through final inspection before packing. I think the process of chilling them causes the skin to shrink and makes the small feathers more prominent. So don't take a huge amount of time on the initial plucking... you will find them later.

 

[Bethel3330]

2 things I have found with hand plucking...

1) make sure the water temp is right for a good scald... 155-160 works about perfect for us... and make sure you add a splash of soap to the water.  Dunk and swirl till wing feathers pull easily.

2) I hate how the feathers get stuck all over my hands, so a large bowl or pot of cool water beside me so I can periodically rinse my hands off seems to make it go quicker. Maybe this one is just me... but figured I'd share it anyway.

When doing the initial plucking just get the majority of the feathers, then move the bird to the next step.  After you are done with the butchering you will be able to go back over the bird on final rinse to look for missed feathers and such.  I find that no matter how long I look for every feather on the initial pluck I always find missed ones after the bird is chilled and going through final inspection before packing.  I think the process of chilling them causes the skin to shrink and makes the small feathers more prominent.  So don't take a huge amount of time on the initial plucking... you will find them later.

Thanks! Great advice. Well, I've got my order in for 15 cx for late summer. I'm gathering all the info and tools I can to prepare for this venture. I'm the type to worry less, the more I know and the thought of processing my own birds used to really bother me. But I got behind a commercial turkey truck on the interstate Tuesday and it reminded me why we want to do this.
Is it funny that they will arrive very near my birthday? LOL
I wish we could raise some now but we're swamped and don't have housing for them yet.

 

[fisherlady]

Thanks! Great advice. Well, I've got my order in for 15 cx for late summer. I'm gathering all the info and tools I can to prepare for this venture. I'm the type to worry less, the more I know and the thought of processing my own birds used to really bother me. But I got behind a commercial turkey truck on the interstate Tuesday and it reminded me why we want to do this.
Is it funny that they will arrive very near my birthday? LOL
I wish we could raise some now but we're swamped and don't have housing for them yet.

Do them when you are ready for them... taking on too many projects will take away from this and your first foray into meat birds can seem overwhelming just on it's own... late summer is a good time to start! It will be here before you know it.

In the meantime, check at your local feed stores and farm supply places to see if anyone local raises meat birds, since it is so common in the spring you may find someone. If you do, then go pick their brain for info and see if you can watch or participate on one of their butcher days (if they are experienced) This would shorten your learning curve dramatically and will help you to know what to expect when you are doing it at your own place.