Water for plucking

[mtnhomechick]

For the meat birds do I need a turkey fryer for defeathering, or can I use a large pot of hot water. Is the temp of the water real important?

Thanx

 

[qhluvr34]

We used a turkey fryer to scald our birds and it worked great. The water got real hot so we turned it down and then off but had to turn it back on for last 2 chickens. Was easier to control temp then with fire and pot. Will definitely use the fryer again.

 

[MissPrissy]

We have used a turkey fryer and a big stock pot. They both do the job. You don't actually have to boil the water. 165 degrees is good.

 

[CampTopisaw]

We use water heated to 145 degrees and dip the birds in and out of the water for one minute. The results of this have always been very good. Any cooler, and we don't get good feather release, any hotter and the birds' skin will often tear. This, at least, has been our experience.