If you’ve ever plucked a chicken by hand, you either never want to do it again or you’re a glutton for punishment. That’s why so many backyard chicken keepers use chicken plucking machines.
Of course, there are A LOT of these machines out there, they’re kind of pricey, and there can be huge differences in quality from one device to the next.
That’s why I’ve done the legwork of research and testing for you. So you don’t have to waste another minute looking for the best chicken plucker for your needs.
See below for everything you need to know.
What Is a Chicken Plucker?
If you’re in the early stages of learning how to harvest chickens for meat, you may be wondering: What exactly is a chicken plucker, and what’s it good for?
Chicken pluckers are designed for one clear job: removing feathers from your freshly harvested chickens. Manually plucking chickens can be a real chore, time-consuming, and — let’s face it — a bit messy. That’s where a chicken plucker comes to the rescue.
Picture this:
You’ve got your chicken all set for processing. Instead of hours of feather-pulling, you place your bird in the plucker, and within minutes (often just seconds), it’s feather-free and ready for the next steps.
No more feathers flying all over the place. And no more sore arms from plucking by hand.
A chicken plucker is your shortcut to a quicker, cleaner, and more efficient chicken processing experience. It’s a game-changer for anyone raising chickens for meat or just looking to simplify the feather removal process.
Now let’s dive into the best options out there that’ll help make your chicken-plucking task a breeze.
Quick Look: Top Chicken Plucker Machines
To be honest, I don’t pluck a lot of chickens. But when I do, I REALLY don’t want to spend all day doing it. And that’s when I’m really glad I have a machine that can pluck a whole chicken in less than 30 seconds.
Here’s a quick look at the best chicken plucking machines I’ve come across over the years:
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| Chicken Plucker | Best For | Notable Features | Other Details | Price |
| Yardbird 21833 | Efficient backyard chicken processing | 1.5 HP motor, 110 natural rubber fingers, GFCI protection | Integrated irrigation ring, Stainless steel drum | Check Price |
| VEVOR Chicken Plucker | Quick and efficient feather removal for medium to larger birds | 1500W motor, 106 rubber fingers, Water-proof switch | Voltage: 110V/60HZ, Four rubber wheels | Check Price |
| Kitchener Chicken Plucker | Streamlining poultry processing with quick feather removal | 1HP motor, 92 rubber fingers, Compact design | Overcurrent Protector GFCI Connector, Wheels | Check Price |
| SuperHandy Chicken Plucker | Fast and efficient feather removal for poultry processing | 1HP motor, 92 rubber fingers, Sturdy construction | Overcurrent Protector GFCI Connector, Wheels | Check Price |
Looking for more information on any of these pluckers? I’ve done a detailed review of each one below.
In-Depth Reviews: Best Chicken Pluckers
It took a really long time to find these top feather pluckers, mostly because there are so many subpar products out there. I’ve researched and reviewed the specifics of each one below:
Yardbird 21833 Chicken Plucker
- POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT PROCESSING: With a heavy duty 1.5 HP motor and 300 RPMs of spinning force,…
- NATURAL AND SAFE DEFEATHERING: 110 individual rubber fingers naturally and gently remove feathers…
- SIMPLE DEBRIS COLLECTION: An integrated irrigation ring with standard garden hose connector allows…
Available on: Amazon and Yardbird manufacturer website
Best for: Efficient backyard chicken processing.
The Yardbird 21833 Chicken Plucker is a simple yet powerful poultry processing tool. It’s often thought of as the gold standard of chicken pluckers — or at least it was when I got mine years ago.
In short, if you’re raising chickens for meat and want to streamline the plucking process, this plucker might be just what you need.
This plucker is all about efficiency. With its 1.5 HP motor, it can fully defeather a chicken in 15 seconds or less. The 110 natural rubber fingers gently remove feathers without damaging the meat or skin. Safety features like the drum-sensing switch and GFCI protection ensure a secure processing experience.
One standout feature is the integrated irrigation ring, which allows you to wash plucked feathers into a collection bucket using a garden hose, keeping your hands free for other tasks. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the removable stainless steel drum.
I think you’ll most appreciate the Yardbird 21833 Chicken Plucker for its speed and efficiency. It significantly reduces the time spent on plucking. While assembly can be straightforward, some users have reported sturdiness concerns, although that hasn’t been an issue for me.
Product Specifications:
- Motor: 1.5 HP
- Drum Diameter: 20 inches
- Fingers: 110 natural rubber fingers
- De-feathering Time: 15-30 seconds per bird
- Safety Features: Drum-sensing safety switch, GFCI protection
- Debris Collection: Integrated irrigation ring with garden hose connector
- Cleaning: Removable stainless steel drum
- Transport: Solid rubber wheels with ball bearings
Pros:
- Fast and efficient feather removal
- Integrated irrigation ring for hands-free debris collection
- Easy to clean with a removable stainless steel drum
- Transportable with solid rubber wheels
Cons:
- Some reports of sturdiness issues
- May require caution to avoid over-plucking
VEVOR Chicken Plucker
- Efficient Defeathering: Power: 1500W; Motor Speed: 275 RPM; Tub’s Diameter: 20″; Capacity: 2-4…
- Premium Features for Premium Results: This chicken plucking machine is made of high-quality 430…
- Convenient Operation: Just grab a garden hose, turn on the feather plucker, add a chicken, spray…
Available on: Amazon and VEVOR website
Best for: Efficient feather removal for medium to larger birds.
The VEVOR Chicken Plucker is designed for those who are serious about poultry processing and want a quick and efficient solution for feather removal. If you’re raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese for meat, this machine could be a great fit.
The VEVOR Chicken Plucker is known for its efficiency and ease of cleaning. However, there are some reports of motor issues and clogging, and a few customers received damaged units.
(Once again, this was NOT an issue for me personally.)
Overall, the VEVOR Chicken Plucker is a powerful tool for those who need to process medium to larger birds regularly. Its quick feather removal capabilities and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any poultry processing operation. However, keep in mind potential motor and clogging issues.
Product Specifications:
- Motor Power: 1500W
- Motor Speed: 275 RPM
- Tub’s Diameter: 20 inches
- Capacity: 2-4 chickens at a time
- Material: 430 stainless steel
- Rubber Fingers: 106 rubber fingers
- Voltage: 110V/60HZ
Pros:
- Efficient feather removal in 10-30 seconds per bird
- High-quality stainless steel construction for durability
- Easy to operate with a water-proof switch
- Four rubber wheels and two handles for mobility
- Suitable for various poultry, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese
Cons:
- Reports of motor and clogging issues
- Some customers received damaged units
Kitchener Chicken Plucker
- High-Performance Plucking: Powered by a robust 1HP, 800W motor reaching 280RPM, our Chicken Plucker…
- Advanced Design for Convenience: Features a compact, sturdy build with 20″ diameter drum, crafted…
- Enhanced Safety Features: Boasts a GFCI Connector with Overcurrent Protector and IP54 waterproof…
Available on: Amazon and Tractor Supply
Best for: Efficient feather removal for poultry processing.
The Kitchener Chicken Plucker is a heavy-duty poultry processor designed for efficient feather removal. If you’re looking to streamline your chicken processing workflow, this machine is worth considering.
The Kitchener Chicken Plucker is surprisingly easy to assemble based on the number of parts and how it looks in the box. It takes some doing, but not as much as you think. And you’ll be operational REALLY fast.
This machine immediately reduces chicken processing time to under 30 seconds per bird. Quality construction and time-saving benefits make this poultry processor a valuable addition to their poultry processing setup.
However, there have been some reports of initial power-on issues and wobbly legs. (The wobbly leg issue is fairly easy to solve with some creative positioning, by the way.)
Product Specifications:
- Motor Power: 1HP 120VAC 800W 280RPM
- Drum Diameter: 20 inches
- Number of Rubber Fingers: 92
- Material: 403 Brushed Stainless Steel
- Voltage: 120 Volts
Pros:
- Quick feather removal in 15-30 seconds per bird
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Compact design with wheels for easy mobility
- Suitable for processing 2-4 birds at once
- Overcurrent Protector GFCI Connector for safety
Cons:
- Some customers experienced initial power-on issues
- Legs may wobble during operation
SuperHandy Chicken Plucker
- High-Efficiency Processing: Features a potent 1HP (800W) motor and 280RPM for rapid and efficient…
- Advanced Design & Durability: Constructed with 403 Brushed Stainless Steel for longevity and…
- Professional Grade Performance: Equipped with 92 soft fingers and a 20-inch diameter drum, our…
Available on: Amazon and SuperHandy website
Best for: Efficient and quick feather removal for poultry processing.
The SuperHandy Chicken Plucker is a robust poultry processor designed for fast and efficient feather removal. If you’re looking to save time and effort during chicken processing, this machine is built for the job.
The first thing I noted about this plucker is its quality. It’s heavy and feels durable.
Of course, the most important detail is that the SuperHandy Chicken Plucker plucks feathers within 30 seconds per bird, making poultry processing a breeze. Easy assembly and cleaning add to its appeal, though.
However, there have been occasional reports of potential damage upon delivery. I’ve actually noticed that this type of complaint is incredibly common for heavy items like this that have to be delivered to your home.
Product Specifications:
- Motor Power: 1HP 120VAC 800W 280RPM
- Drum Diameter: 20 inches
- Number of Rubber Fingers: 92
- Material: 403 Brushed Stainless Steel
- Voltage: 120 Volts
Pros:
- Swift feather removal in 15-30 seconds per bird
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Compact design with wheels for easy mobility
- Suitable for processing 2-4 birds at once
- Overcurrent Protector GFCI Connector for safety
Cons:
- Some customers reported potential initial power-on issues
- Considerations for the placement of the power switch
- Feathers may accumulate around the base of rubber fingers
Do You Need a Chicken Plucker?
Let’s discuss when and why you might want a chicken plucker and when you might skip it.
When You Might Need a Chicken Plucker:
If you’re raising chickens for meat — and you’re doing it on a semi-regular basis — a chicken plucker can be a real time-saver. When you’ve got a bunch of chickens to process, doing it by hand can take forever. A plucker steps in and gets the feathers out quickly.
Plus, if you’re not a fan of getting your hands dirty or dealing with feathers flying all over the place, a chicken plucker is your friend. It’s all about making the job easier and less messy.
When You Might Not Need a Chicken Plucker:
The flip side: If you only have a few chickens and you don’t process them often, you might not need a plucker. Doing it by hand might not be a big deal if you’re not doing it frequently.
(I’m not saying it’s easy; it’s still a pain to pluck a chicken by hand. But that pain may not be worth the price tag of the average chicken plucking machine.)
Also, consider your budget. Pluckers can be an investment, so if you’re just starting out with a small flock, you could skip the plucker until you’re processing more birds.
It all comes down to how often you’re processing chickens and your personal preferences. But when you’ve got a bunch of birds to pluck, that plucker is almost certainly going to be worth it.
Things to Consider Before You Buy a Chicken Plucker
Here’s what you should think about before you buy a chicken plucker:
Before You Buy:
- Your chicken load. How many chickens do you process regularly? If it’s just a few now and then, you might not need a big, fancy plucker.
- Budget matters. Think about your budget. Pluckers come in all price ranges. Pick one that fits your wallet.
- Space crunch. Where will you store it? Consider the space you have. Some pluckers are more compact than others. Don’t forget to check the specs for the device you’re considering.
While You’re Shopping:
- Feather removal. Check how well it removes feathers. That’s the main job, right? You want those feathers gone.
- Durability rules. Look for sturdy construction. You don’t want it breaking down after a few uses.
- Size matters. Make sure it can handle your bird sizes. Some pluckers are better for smaller chickens, while others can handle larger ones and even much larger poultry like geese.
- Easy cleaning. Cleaning should be a breeze, despite all the feathers. Stainless steel ones are great for this.
- User reviews. Don’t forget to read reviews. Other chicken enthusiasts share their experiences. It can be super helpful. (You’re already here, so you can go ahead and check that box.)
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding a plucker that suits your needs and keeps things simple.
Chicken Plucking Machine FAQs
How does a chicken plucking machine work?
Chicken pluckers use rotating rubber fingers to remove feathers quickly.
Can I use a chicken plucker for other poultry?
Yes, these machines work for ducks, turkeys, and some larger birds, too.
Are these machines easy to clean?
Yes, most have removable parts and stainless steel construction for easy cleaning.
Do I need special scalding equipment with these pluckers?
Proper scalding (hot water bath) helps, but you don’t need extra equipment.
What’s the difference between these chicken pluckers?
They vary in motor power, finger count, and some minor features.
Can I use these pluckers outdoors?
Yes, they’re designed for outdoor poultry processing, although I recommend storing them in your barn or garage.
Are there safety features on these machines?
Yes, they often include GFCI protection and safety switches for secure use.
How long does it take to pluck a chicken with these machines?
It usually takes 15-30 seconds per chicken for feather removal. In general, it depends on the size, with larger chickens taking more time.
Are these pluckers suitable for small-scale or backyard chicken processing?
Yes, they work well for small to large-scale operations. In fact, that’s what they’re designed for. Larger operations use much different industrial chicken plucking machines.
Can I operate these chicken pluckers alone?
Yes, many users process poultry by themselves using these machines. Read the instructions and follow ALL safety guidelines.
Do these pluckers have wheels for easy mobility?
Yes, most of them come with wheels for convenient movement. But I recommend setting up a sort of plucking station that doesn’t have to move often. Just keeps it convenient.
Are replacement parts readily available for these machines?
Yes, you can typically find replacement fingers and other parts online. Your best bet is the manufacturer’s website or the website of the retailer you purchased the machine from initially.
Time to Get Pluckin’
The best chicken pluckers are easy to set up, simple to use, and not too difficult to clean. And most importantly, they save you time — tons of time.
If you’re processing a chicken or two per year, a machine may not be worth the cost. But I promise you you won’t regret your purchase if you’re raising chickens for meat on a regular basis.