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Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2018 8:12 pm
by KimChick
Today, we slaughtered the last 2 young roosters so that we would have one desirable left.
Again we decided to skin them instead of plucking because in this cold weather, set-up is easier.
I do have to admit, though, that skinning a bird is very difficult!
If there is anyone out there who has mastered this option, could you please share your method?
Re: Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 12:26 am
by ross
Basically I cold pluck a row of breast feathers off bout 2” wide & do a cut thru skin to meat then use my 2 thumbs & pull apart & just keep pulling over wings & legs round to back . Then I gut . You can hang um up by feet if you want for better control . Luck
Re: Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 9:29 am
by Ontario Chick
When DH did our processing I suggested he skins rather then plucks, since we don't use the skin anyway, it seemed in theory to be the "easy" way, but he said he found it just as quick to pluck although he had experience with skinning rabbits, he stuck with plucking.
Re: Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 9:45 am
by Killerbunny
Rabbits are way easier to skin. You just slip your hands around and the skin comes off. When I skin poultry I ease and use a tiny very sharp knife to loosen off. I think plucking is easier.
Re: Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2019 1:16 pm
by gubi
all depends on age of the bird. When you do them at 3-4 months of age it only takes a few second to do the way Ross describes, but adults are much more work.
Re: Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2019 12:46 pm
by KimChick
Thanks everyone. DH has skinned a couple rabbits; I have yet to.
Next time, I'll try what Ross does, without hanging by the feet, and see how it goes.
Killerbunny, I have snipped/sliced connective tissue as I go, but that can get very finicky.
I agree; plucking is much easier.
Re: Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2019 3:17 pm
by windwalkingwolf
I usually cut off the tail including oil gland, remove wing tips and feet at the joints, open skin down the front from neck to vent, and then peel/trim towards the back as if I'm taking a coat off a wriggling toddler LOL. Around the shoulders, at the bottom of thighs and down the back are the trickiest parts in an older bird--skin sticks tight and cutting is necessary. Once all the back skin is free, then I pull his pants down and off.
Re: Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2019 3:42 pm
by ross
Man YOUSE getting me all excited reading your prescription/description Jan . Wow
Re: Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2019 6:02 pm
by windwalkingwolf
Re: Plucking vs Skinning
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:16 pm
by KimChick
windwalkingwolf wrote: ↑Wed Jan 02, 2019 3:17 pm
I usually cut off the tail including oil gland, remove wing tips and feet at the joints, open skin down the front from neck to vent, and then peel/trim towards the back as if I'm taking a coat off a wriggling toddler LOL. Around the shoulders, at the bottom of thighs and down the back are the trickiest parts in an older bird--skin sticks tight and cutting is necessary. Once all the back skin is free, then I pull his pants down and off.
That's quite a description! No wonder you're getting such a reaction from it. Hehe
Thanks for the details; I will put it in my memory bank.
