Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Monitor the ice water to make sure it remains icy.
Once the bird has been scalded, the feathers are removed in a
process known as plucking. It is easiest to hang the bird by its
feet and use both hands to grab the feathers and pull them out.
If the bird was killed and scalded correctly, this shouldn't
take long, although it is messy. The feathers can be added to a
compost pile and are an excellent source of nitrogen. A few
small “pin feathers” will remain on the bird, and these can be
removed by gently pressing with the back side of a butter
knife. A few hairs will also remain, and these can be singed
off by going very quickly over the carcass with a propane
torch. If you process a lot of chickens, you might consider an
automated plucker that is easily made at home. The most
impressive homemade plucker is the Whizbang Chicken
Plucker, designed by Herrick Kimball, and the plans are in his
topic titled Anyone Can Build a Tub-Style Chicken Plucker. I
have designed a less expensive table-style chicken plucker
and have included complete plans, parts list, and photos in the
next chapter.
