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Plucking Machine: Clean Plucking of Poultry for Home Slaughter

A plucking machine saves you a great deal of time and effort at home slaughter. With us you will find a robust machine with plastic fingers for your poultry.

Plucking Machine: Clean Birds in Less Time

If you slaughter chickens, ducks or geese yourself, you know that plucking by hand takes time and is hard work. A plucking machine takes this step off your hands. The rotating drum with plastic fingers loosens the feathers while you hold the scalded bird against it. The Kerbl plucking machine with 24 fingers is suitable for hobby keepers and smallholders who process their poultry at home.

Scald Properly, Pluck Easily

The most important step before plucking is scalding. Dip the slaughtered bird briefly into water at around 60 to 65 °C. The feathers then come out easily while the skin stays intact. If the water is too hot or the bird stays in too long, the skin tears during plucking. If it is too cold, the feathers are still firmly attached. A thermometer in the scalding pot helps you keep the right temperature. Waterfowl such as ducks and geese often need a little longer because of their dense down.

Working with the Plucking Machine

Hold the scalded bird with both hands and guide it with light pressure against the rotating fingers. Turn it slowly so that every area is reached. Finish off fine remnants on the wings and neck by hand. After the work, clean the machine thoroughly with water so that no feathers or residues dry on. Plan a workspace outdoors or in a room that is easy to clean. A sturdy table at a comfortable working height makes the job easier on your back.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I scald a chicken before plucking?
At 60 to 65 °C, 30 to 60 seconds is usually enough. Test with a flight feather in between: if it pulls out easily, the bird is ready.

Can I also pluck ducks with the plucking machine?
Yes, ducks and geese can be plucked with it too. Because of the down you will need a little more patience and some careful finishing by hand.

What do I need to consider for home slaughter?
You need the necessary competence for stunning and slaughter, and animal welfare always comes first. Ask your local authority about the rules for slaughtering for your own use.

Plucking Machine for Home Slaughter

For many smallholders, processing the poultry they raise themselves is simply part of the deal. The most time consuming step is often the plucking. A plucking machine does this job in a fraction of the time: the drum with 24 plastic fingers rotates and pulls out the feathers while you hold the scalded bird against it. This spares your hands and gives a clean result without tearing the skin. Especially when you process several birds in one day, you will notice the difference clearly. The Kerbl plucking machine is suitable for chickens, ducks and geese and is easy to clean after use. Good preparation is important: with scalding water at around 60 to 65 °C the feathers come away easily. This makes home slaughter quicker and leaves you more time for cutting up and packing.