Hand plucking chickens is one of the most frustrating and time-consuming chores if you like to raise poultry.
Last year my husband had the idea of trying his hands at keeping a few chickens and ducks in the backyard. While the experience of raising the birds was quite fun, trying to pluck the feathers of a single chicken left his hands sore.
On telling this problem to my farmer friend, she suggested that I look for chicken pluckers meant to ease the process. Spending a few days on research led me to some great options that have genuinely made backyard chicken processing a breeze.
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today I’ll let you know everything about finding the best chicken plucker while highlighting my top suggestions. So, without further ado, let's begin!
Top 5 Chicken Plucker Reviews
1. Yardbird 21833 Chicken Plucker
First up is one of the highest-rated chicken pluckers from Yardbird that's especially meant to make backyard poultry processing easier by defeathering chickens in fifteen seconds. Hence, you'll get done with the chore within minutes, unlike hours needed earlier.
Product Highlights
With 1.5 HP, this is one of the most powerful chicken pluckers available right now. The drum has a spinning force of 300 RPM to pluck a chicken in fifteen to thirty minutes when it has been properly scalded. Moreover, the food-grade stainless steel drum measures 20 inches, so you can definitely fit all breeds of chickens irrespective of their size.
The 110 individual strategically placed rubber fingers also make quick de-feathering possible. Much like human fingers, they gently remove the dirt-covered feathers from the skin of a chicken without causing any tears.
What's more, the integrated irrigation ring present in this chicken plucker can be connected to a standard garden hose for hands-free flushing of plucked feathers. The drum in this plucker is removable, and the motor comes covered in a waterproof housing for hassle-free cleaning.
What's There To Like About It?
What I like the most about the plucker is the ease of use, and I can run it on my own without any help. The presence of the drum-sensing safety switch and GFCI assures me of much-needed protection when the machine is spinning at top speed.
Another thing that I really like is its mobility and storage-friendly design. After my chores are over, I can quickly push it toward the shed without much trouble, thanks to the wobble-free solid rubber wheels.
What's There Not To Like About It?
While this plucker works perfectly for the average-sized chicken, you may need to break or remove the feet and head before de-feathering birds like ducks, geese, or turkeys. I suggest paying attention to scalding the birds appropriately so that the machine doesn't malfunction while removing pesky feathers.
Pros and Cons of Yardbird 21833 Chicken Plucker
Pros
Cons
- POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT PROCESSING: With a heavy duty 1.5 HP motor and 300 RPMs of spinning force, Yardbird can de-feather chickens, ducks, geese, hens, waterfowl and other birds in just 15-30 seconds following an appropriate scalding process. A roomy 20” diameter drum easily accommodates many sizes of birds.
- NATURAL AND SAFE DEFEATHERING: 110 individual rubber fingers naturally and gently remove feathers dirt and grime from the skin of the bird. A drum-sensing safety switch and GFCI ensure that the operator is safe and secure during processing.
- SIMPLE DEBRIS COLLECTION: An integrated irrigation ring with standard garden hose connector allows for hands-free flushing of plucked feathers into the feather chute. Feather collection is accomplished by simply placing a 5-gallon pail under the chute.
2. Kitchener Chicken Plucker
Do you need to pluck multiple chickens daily? If yes, then this one from Kitchener might be an excellent choice as it has been designed to be sturdy enough to stand professional use. And the fast plucking time lets you get through the task without breaking a sweat.
Product Highlights
I liked this plucker a lot because of its robust design meant to withstand professional use where hundreds of chickens might be de-feathered per week. The stainless steel barrel has a thickness of 0.6 mm, which can easily resist the 280 RPM fast movement of the motor. It even has three stands to add stability and keep the plucker from wobbling when the motor is running.
You’ll notice that it has been designed with water, oil, UV, and corrosion resistance to provide maximum protection. Consumers can place two to four birds into the barrel simultaneously due to its durable structure. The 92 soft fingers and the fast motor complete plucking in just 15 to 30 seconds, letting you pluck several birds daily.
Besides, Kitchener has an overcurrent protector GFCI connector switch and an IP54 weather-resistant electrical housing in this plucker to maximize your safety.
What's There To Like About It?
Among all the things to like about this chicken plucker, its small yet durable design impressed me the most. Even after having a relatively large drum, it's lightweight enough for me to drag it from the shed to where I usually do the plucking.
I also liked the soft rubber fingers present inside the drum as they are pretty flexible as well as gentle on the skin of fowls and chickens. Moreover, I haven't faced any problems, regarding any of them popping out.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Even though this is an excellent chicken plucker when it comes to durability and speed, I placed it after the Yardbird 21833 chicken plucker as it lacks an irrigation ring. As a result, after plucking, you'll need to spray water from the top to wash the feathers out of the chute.
Pros and Cons of Kitchener Chicken Plucker
Pros
Cons
- SPECS - Our Heavy Duty Chicken Plucker De-Feather Poultry and Fowl Processor utilizes a 1HP 120VAC 800W 280RPM Planetary Gear Transmission Reduction Motor; 92 soft fingers, large 20" inch dia. drum, Barrel Thickness 0.6mm and Panels Thickness 0.3mm
- ADVANCE DESIGN - Our Plucker has a robust compact design for easy storage and transportation, including 2 wheels for optimal maneuverability; Built of premium safe and sanitary 403 Brushed Stainless Steel body/base (protecting from rust)
- PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITIES - Our powerful, reliable Fowl and Poultry Feather Plucker has a durable structure, capable of 2-4 birds at one time in just 15-30 seconds per foul (that's 3-4 in under 2 minutes) (depending on the size of the fouls and if properly scalded, will guarantee high speeds and efficiency)
3. SuperHandy Chicken Plucker
This SuperHandy chicken plucker is recommended by my friend, who has been using it for a while and has de-feathered more than a hundred chickens. She told me that this model is especially great for those just dipping their toes into backyard chicken plucking.
Product Highlights
Like the earlier model, the SuperHandy chicken plucker is a heavy-duty unit sporting a 20-inch stainless steel drum with 92 soft rubber fingers. The drum sits on top of a bright orange stand making it easily visible even when the plucker is in motion.
However, what stood out to me was the powerful 1 HP capacity 40v motor which is reliable and powerful enough to de-feather two to four fowls in under 30 seconds. SuperHandy recommends using this in farms and food processing units, thanks to its advanced robust design.
Though it doesn't have an irrigation ring, watering from the top is pretty easy, and the drum has a 403 brushed stainless steel base to protect from rust buildup. Besides, the two impenetrable rubber wheels make maneuvering the plucker pretty easy, even when you drag it on a grassy area. And the sturdy stand keeps the drum stable while plucking.
What's There To Like About It?
One of the things that I really like about this chicken plucker is that it took me very little time to put together. That's because SuperHandy provides easy-to-understand instructions for assembling it. Moreover, the whole appliance weighs only 64 lbs, making it lightweight and portable.
Another point that my friend and I agreed on was the convenient scalding which allowed me to use the plucker efficiently. The chickens came out absolutely clean without any injuries to the skin or limbs.
What's There Not To Like About It?
While recommending this chicken plucker, my friend warned me not to put big birds like turkey or geese into the drum as they can get badly battered. That's why I placed this in the third position, as the Kitchener chicken plucker can handle larger-sized chickens or other birds when I remove their feet and head.
Pros and Cons of SuperHandy Chicken Plucker
Pros
Cons
- High-Efficiency Processing: Features a potent 1HP (800W) motor and 280RPM for rapid and efficient poultry processing, capable of handling 2-4 birds simultaneously in just 15-30 seconds.
- Advanced Design & Durability: Constructed with 403 Brushed Stainless Steel for longevity and resistance to rust, this Chicken Plucker combines a sturdy design with a compact footprint and wheels for superior portability and storage.
- Professional Grade Performance: Equipped with 92 soft fingers and a 20-inch diameter drum, our poultry processor ensures thorough and gentle de-feathering of various bird sizes, enhancing food prep efficiency for farms and processing facilities.
4. VEVOR Chicken Plucker
When it comes to professionals, many of them rely on the VEVOR chicken plucker due to its sturdy construction and powerful motor. Moreover, if you want a versatile machine that can pluck the feathers of different birds, then this can be an excellent option.
Product Highlights
What sets this chicken plucker apart from other options is its stable design. Rather than just having a couple of legs, the drum sits on a durable stainless steel stand that’s resistant to water and harsh chemicals. There's no need to worry about portability as the stand has two portable handles and four wheels for easy transportation.
Another unique feature of this plucker has to be the large feather discharge chute that helps clear out the drums faster and without clogs. I also found it more convenient as the chute is placed on the side instead of the bottom.
Coming to the plucking capacity, the 1,500-watt robust motor can provide a top speed of 275 RPM, which is enough to de-feather fowls and chickens within 10-20 seconds. The 106 rubber fingers present inside are also pretty flexible and have a wear-proof design to make them last a long time.
What's There To Like About It?
I was pleased with the sturdiness of this chicken plucker as it doesn't move around even a bit when the drum is in motion, making standing near the pucker safer. Also, the power switch is conveniently placed on the side with a waterproof hood to make reaching it hassle-free.
Another thing that stood out to me has to be the versatility of this plucker, as even small birds like quail or bantam chickens come out undamaged and feather-free.
What's There Not To Like About It?
While going through the reviews, I found that most people complained about the small caster wheels in this model. I placed it in the fourth position, as unlike the wheels on the SuperHandy chicken plucker, the caster wheels aren't very durable and can sink into the soil. So, it's better to use this machine on even ground for wobble-free plucking.
Pros and Cons of VEVOR Chicken Plucker
Pros
Cons
- Efficient Defeathering: Power: 1500W; Motor Speed: 275 RPM; Tub's Diameter: 20"; Capacity: 2-4 Chickens a Time; Barrel Thickness: 0.02"; Panels Thickness 0.01". The chicken plucker can finish de-feathering work in 10-30 seconds.
- Premium Features for Premium Results: This chicken plucking machine is made of high-quality 430 stainless. Features excellent water resistance and rust resistance for long-term use. It comes with 106 rubber fingers that can naturally and gently clean feathers and dirt from the skin of birds.
- Convenient Operation: Just grab a garden hose, turn on the feather plucker, add a chicken, spray water into the drum, and a few seconds later you will get a perfectly plucked chicken. The water-proof switch is designed for easy and secure use.
5. Wuyule Chicken Plucker
Last but not least, I have the Wuyule chicken plucker, another versatile and robust model that's great for professional backyard poultry keepers. You can use it for birds like chickens, fowls, small turkeys, ducks, and guinea fowls if they are of the right size and properly scalded.
Product Highlights
Right off the bat, what I noticed in this chicken plucker was the stainless steel barrel. I have seen thin barrels in many models that gather rust quite quickly but that isn't true for this unit, as the 0.6 mm drum comes with corrosion protection.
On the inside of the barrel, you will need to install 106 flexible soft rubber fingers that efficiently get rid of feathers and dirt from the skin of a bird. Moreover, the spin speed of 275 RPM lets you defeather multiple birds within seconds.
As this barrel has a 20-inch diameter, it can easily fit two to four chickens or up to twelve quails at once, saving a lot of time. Also, operating this plucker is easy since the on/off button is conveniently placed on its side.
What's There To Like About It?
I especially like this chicken plucker as it has a basic and fuss-free design. It's able to pluck multiple fowls within seconds, saving me enough time to complete other chores. Also, I find cleaning this machine super simple, as the feathers easily come out of the large chute after spraying water into the barrel.
Another thing I liked was the prompt customer service provided by the brand. A representative got back to me within twenty-four hours and resolved my query about missing instructions.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Even though the performance is similar, I have placed this below the VEVOR plucker as it has received some complaints about denting. Most of it was due to bad packaging, and Wuyule duly replaced the units once they were notified. Being a bit more careful while packing the pluckers will surely help avoid such instances.
Pros and Cons of Wuyule Chicken Plucker
Pros
Cons
- 【PREMIUM MATERIALS】- wuyule chicken plucker machine is made of 430 stainless steel, which is finely polished and durable. Powerful 2HP motor, 275r/min motor speed, 110V/60HZ voltage, 1500W power, 106 independent rubber fingers.
- 【POWERFUL & QUICK DEFEATHERING】- wuyule chicken defeather machine equiped with 106 rubber fingers and 20" barrel, which can quickly and efficiently get rid of feathers in 10-30 seconds, and gently remove dirt on feathers from the skin of birds naturally. And pluck 1 to 2 chickens at a time, but we always recommend plucking one at a time so you are not over bruising meat.
- 【EASY OPERTAON & MOVEMENT】- We recommend that you soak the slaughtered chickens in hot water of 75-80 degrees Celsius for 2-3 minutes, and then put the soaked chickens into the chicken plucker machine. After turning on the power, the hair removal can be completed in about 30 seconds. 4 FEXLIABLE WHEELS DESIGN allows for freely being moved to wherever you want.
Buyers Guide
Are you still a bit confused about which would be the best chicken plucker for backyard poultry keeping? Worry no more, as I have narrowed down some essential points that will help you make the right choice.
1. Size
One of the first things to consider in a chicken plucker would be its size. The standard size of the drum used for backyard plucking is around 20 inches, as it can fit a couple of birds quite easily. Anything smaller might be too restrictive for bigger chicken breeds and could make it impossible for the bird to move.
Most chicken pluckers available on the market have a diameter between 20 and 23 inches, allowing you to pluck multiple fowls or chickens at the same time. But, I recommend looking for something bigger if you occasionally like to defeather geese or turkeys without needing to break their limbs.
2. Portability
Another thing to consider is the portability of a unit. If your usual plucking area is far away from the shed or house, it can be troublesome to carry heavy equipment. That's why I prefer pluckers made with high-quality but lightweight stainless steel to make transportation hassle-free.
Outdoor pluckers often come with wheels to easily move them between places. Models with wheels are usually light and have added legs to make them stable even when placed over grass.
Plus, you should check the weight of a specific chicken plucker appliance to ensure that handling it won't be too tough. Note that heavy-duty models that can pluck multiple fowls simultaneously may be heavier. In that case, pay extra attention to the wheels and check if there are additional handles for trouble-free transportation.
3. Fingers
Your fingers may get too tired after plucking a couple of chickens, but the same won't be acceptable for the fingers present in specialized pluckers. These machines usually utilize flexible rubber fingers that come in contact with the skin of a bird to remove the feathers. The drums can have anywhere between 90 and 150 fingers to make the plucking process easier.
It's best to get pluckers with removable fingers so that you can change them after they have worn out from plucking hundreds of chickens. However, many brands focus on adding high-quality wear-proof fingers that may last long without developing a single crack.
Pay attention to the customer reviews to ensure that the fingers are of decent quality and wouldn't cause damage to the chickens.
4. Spinning Force And Motor Power
The thing to remember about chicken pluckers is that they should neither be too powerful nor too slow, as both movements can injure the birds. I have noticed that high-quality, professional-grade pluckers are equipped with motors having the capacity of 1-2 horsepowers. It's enough to provide a spinning force of up to 300 RPM which can defeather birds within thirty seconds.
One thing to note is that you should always refrain from overfilling or underfilling a drum as it may damage the chickens and even break their bones. If a machine specifies the capacity of two to four chickens, try to load that many birds to avoid damage. Also, ensure that the machine maintains an even speed so that the fingers can evenly pluck all the chickens.
5. Outlet For Dirt And Feather
When the birds are inside the tub, you'll need to constantly spray it with water so that the fingers can easily remove the feathers. The water also helps clean the chickens and expel their feathers from the appliance. That's why pluckers need to have an appropriate-sized outlet to let out the waste without getting clogged.
Even though the usual down-facing outlet works well, I prefer pluckers with larger side outlets as they seldom clog and are faster at expelling the waste. It also makes cleaning the drums easier in-between plucking sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like when you would pluck feathers by hand, scalding is an important step to get clean chickens with the help of a plucker. The instructions for scalding may vary based on the bird you are about to pluck and the machine you'll be using. So, I recommend checking for specific instructions before scalding the bird.
In the case of chickens, scalding can take anywhere from thirty seconds to two minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on it so that the skin of the bird doesn't get damaged. You can try pulling on the wing feathers to see if they come out easily because when they do, it's time to put the bird into the plucker.
The mechanism of a chicken plucker is pretty simple as most of the job is done by soft rubber fingers. These appliances usually have a motor that spins the barrel or tub, making the chicken rub against the numerous rubber fingers. There are ridges on the fingers that come in direct contact with the feathers and remove them while the tub is rotating.
Moreover, to make plucking smoother, you'll need to keep spraying water into the tank. This will give you clean, feather-free chickens with intact skin and bones. Just remember to read the instructions for a plucker before proceeding to avoid running the appliance for too long, which may batter the bird.
My Final Recommendation
Before I tell you my favorites, I recommend you assess your specific needs for backyard poultry before ordering a chicken plucker. You may even take the help from an experienced poultry and fowl farmer to get better inputs on which would be the best chicken plucker.
Based on my experience, the Yardbird 21833 chicken plucker worked the best as it was able to get rid of the feathers within seconds. Plus, it has an irrigation ring for hands-free flushing.
An alternative option would be the Kitchener chicken plucker, especially for those looking for a professional-grade sturdy model. Its drum is UV, water, and corrosion-resistant to guarantee the plucker a long service life.
Until next time, goodbye, and take care!