Feather plucker
 

I purchased a feather plucker about 4 years ago to pluck the feathers off of pheasants. That was the last time I used it. The feathers never came off. Has anyone used them and if so, any pointers as to what I might be doing wrong.

RE: Feather plucker
 

Using mine right now to type this in.:DLOL. Never heard of one. Been using the thumb and index finger with good success. Got any pictures of this contraption?

RE: Feather plucker
 

What variety and model did you buy-I have one as well and use it when I get tired of the thumb and finger-which happens now more since I am getting older.

RE: Feather plucker
 

The 1 I have works great on fresh birds ( I use on ducks & geese) ,it sits on a trashcan to catch the feathers.
If the bird sits around for a few hours it works SO SO.
I soak the birds a few min in soap and water to cut oil on the birds and help stop the down from flying everywere.

RE: Feather plucker
 

johnch
Never thought about the soap idea-thanks

RE: Feather plucker
 

If your picker will not dry pick then you will have to scald them. After you slop them around in soapy hot water then you will have to scald them in clean water to get the soap out. The soap is to cut the oil in the feathers so that you can get the scalding water to reach the skin. This scalding water has to be about 160 degrees and again you slop the bird up and down inthe water till the feathers loosen up, then run them against the picker fingers. I usually use my picker as soon as I get home from hunting. The sooner you use the picker the easier it goes. I just dry pick with my picker and the only feathers it does not take is if they are really blood soaked.

RE: Feather plucker
 

Again-great advice and thanks-will save me some trouble in the long run

RE: Feather plucker
 

Thanks for the info. I bought the plucker out of Cabelas. I tried to dry pluck, but it didn't work. I tried water too, but maybe I didn't heat the water high enough. I was afraid of cooking the pheasants.

RE: Feather plucker
 

You can cook them even at 159 degrees. You just slosh them up an down in the water just long enough to loosen the big feathers on the wings. At this point all the feathers will be loose and come off easily. It just takes a little practice. I usually say when thew skin on the feet starts to slip the bird is ready to pluck.

RE: Feather plucker
 

Thanks