Plucking and Stubbing. — Immediately
the bird has been killed plucking must
commence, as the operation is simpler when the carcase is warm. The
operator may sit in a low chair when plucking, holding the bird by its
legs head downwards, or tie the fowls up to the ceiling and pluck
standing up. In either case the operator should wear an apron and keep
a receptacle directly underneath to catch the feathers. In plucking, the
feathers should be pulled the opposite way to which they grow. The
best method is to take the plucking in the following order : (1) breast,
(2) neck, (3) back ; (4) wings, (5) tail. Some scald the carcase first by
placing it in boiling water for four or five seconds only. The bird
is then suspended head downwards, and the feathers rubbed off
with a towel.
Stubbing comes next. After the bird has been plucked, any stubs
or growing feathers must be removed singly by means of a blunt knife
and the thumb. All stubs should be removed to give the bird the best
finish. Then comes singeing. All long hairs must be singed off by
holding the bird over a gas Jet and turning the carcase all the time
holding it conveniently by the legs and head. Wipe off any pieces
of black with a clean towel. Some use a screw of paper or a straw,
but these are apt to smoke and blacken the bird. Wash the feet of
the bird, and it is then ready for the shaping board.
Shaping. — We now come to the shaping. The fowl is placed directly
after it has been plucked in a V-shaped trough, breast downwards.
Several of these boards can be nailed to supports, each below the other.
