Transform Your Washing Machine Into A Chicken Plucker

Raising chickens for food can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to plucking their feathers. It can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but a chicken plucker can make it much easier and quicker. While you can buy a chicken plucker, they can be expensive, so building your own chicken plucker from a washing machine is a cost-effective and practical alternative. In this article, we will discuss how to build your own chicken plucker, the benefits of doing so, and the materials and tools you will need for this DIY project.

Assess your washing machine's suitability for repurposing

Before you begin converting your washing machine into a chicken plucker, it's important to assess its suitability for repurposing. Not all washing machines can be converted into chicken pluckers, so consider the following factors:

Drum: The drum is the heart of your DIY chicken plucker. It should be made of stainless steel or another rust-resistant material to ensure longevity. Ensure the drum has ample space for a chicken to rotate without hitting the sides. Hefty top-loading drums are more suitable than compact front-loading models commonly used in apartments.

Motor Power: Effective plucking requires a powerful motor to generate a strong spin. Choose a washing machine with a motor of at least 1.5 horsepower. Weaker motors may struggle to reach and maintain the speed needed for optimal feather removal.

Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial for easy cleaning and the removal of feathers and water. Ensure your chosen washing machine has a functional drainage system to facilitate the plucking process.

Electrical Compatibility: Assess the electrical compatibility of your washing machine. You will need to modify the electrical wiring to suit your chicken plucker setup, so ensure the machine can accommodate these changes.

Safety Considerations: When repurposing a washing machine, safety must be a top priority. Ensure you have the necessary safety gear, including protective gloves, goggles, and a dust mask to safeguard yourself from electrical hazards and flying feathers.

By considering these factors, you can determine if your washing machine is suitable for repurposing into a chicken plucker. Remember, building a DIY chicken plucker requires time, effort, and some technical expertise, but it can be a cost-effective and practical solution for homesteads dealing with multiple chickens.

Gather tools and materials, including safety gear

Before you begin building your chicken plucker, it's important to gather all the necessary tools and materials, including safety gear, to ensure a smooth and safe DIY process.

First and foremost, you'll need a suitable washing machine as the foundation of your chicken plucker. Look for a washing machine with a spacious drum made of stainless steel or another rust-resistant material. Hefty top-loading machines are generally more suitable than compact apartment models. Additionally, ensure that the washing machine has a powerful motor of at least 1.5 horsepower to handle the plucking process effectively. Proper drainage is also crucial, so choose a machine with good drain functionality to facilitate easy cleaning and feather removal.

Once you've selected the right washing machine, it's time to gather the rest of the materials and safety gear. Here's a comprehensive list:

• Protective gloves, goggles, and a dust mask to safeguard against flying feathers and electrical hazards.
• Socket wrench set for disassembling and reassembling washing machine components.
• Wire cutters and strippers for modifying electrical wiring.
• Drill and drill bits for creating holes to attach the plucking fingers.
• Food-grade, flexible, and durable rubber plucking fingers (around 100, depending on drum size). You can also DIY these using recycled materials like old bicycle tires or conveyor belts.
• Silicone sealant to waterproof electrical modifications.
• Zip ties for securing loose wires or temporary fixes.
• Heavy-duty trash bags to contain the feathers during plucking.

With all your tools and materials assembled, you can begin the transformation process, keeping safety a top priority throughout.

Disassemble the washing machine

To build a chicken plucker from a washing machine, you will first need to disassemble the washing machine. This process will require a socket wrench set for disassembling and reassembling the washing machine components.

First, remove the front panel of the washing machine. This will expose the internal components, including the drum, motor, and wiring. Next, disconnect the wiring and hoses leading to the control panel and carefully lift it out. Then, detach the motor from the washing machine. This will involve removing the mounting bolts and disconnecting any attached wires. Ensure you keep the bolts and washers in a safe place, as you will need them later.

The drum of the washing machine will be your plucking drum, so you will need to remove any internal components that are not necessary for your chicken plucker. This may include the agitator, which can be unscrewed and lifted out. You will also need to remove the outer housing of the drum, exposing the inner drum. The inner drum will be the main component of your chicken plucker, so ensure it is made of stainless steel or another rust-resistant material.

Finally, you will need to create a way to attach the plucking fingers to the drum. This may involve drilling holes in the drum or attaching a plate to the drive shaft, to which the plucking fingers can be affixed. Ensure all electrical wiring and components are properly sealed and protected to avoid any safety hazards.

Modify electrical wiring and add plucking fingers

Now that you've gathered your tools and materials, it's time to modify the electrical wiring and add the plucking fingers to your washing machine drum.

First, put on your safety gear, including protective gloves, goggles, and a dust mask, to protect yourself from electrical hazards and flying feathers. Next, use wire cutters and strippers to modify the electrical wiring. Drill holes in the drum with a drill and drill bits to attach the plucking fingers. The number of fingers will depend on the size of your drum; you'll need around 100 plucking fingers made of food-grade, flexible, and durable rubber. You can also DIY the plucking fingers using recycled materials like old bicycle tires or conveyor belts. Stagger the fingers around the barrel for better performance and a nicer look.

Attach the rubber fingers to the plate using washers, then attach the plate to the drive shaft. You can create a drive shaft by welding a steel plate to one end of a 20mm steel bar, as described in one source. The other end should be reduced in diameter to fit the pulley. The pulley wheel provides the correct rpm for the motor. You can purchase a small aluminium pulley from Amazon, as mentioned in the source. The motor can be wired through a waterproof exterior plastic light switch to a mains supply plug and cable.

With the electrical wiring modified and the plucking fingers attached, your washing machine chicken plucker is almost ready for use. Just remember to follow safety guidelines and work in a well-ventilated area when using your newly modified machine.

Test your new chicken plucker

Once you've built your chicken plucker, you'll want to test it out to ensure it's working correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide to testing your new chicken plucker:

Prepare the Chicken

Start by selecting a chicken that you have already prepared for plucking. It's important to note that the chicken should be scalded and soaked in cold water before placing it in the plucker. This will help loosen the feathers and make the plucking process more effective.

Set Up the Plucker

Ensure your chicken plucker is set up correctly and all the components are securely in place. Check that the rubber plucking fingers are firmly attached to the drum and that the drum itself is properly mounted. Also, make sure that the water spray function, if your model has one, is connected and ready to use.

Test Plucking

Place the prepared chicken into the drum of your plucker. Start the machine and allow it to run for a few minutes. You may need to adjust the speed or duration of the cycle depending on the chicken's size and the number of feathers.

Observe the Results

After the cycle, carefully remove the chicken from the plucker and inspect it for any remaining feathers. Pay close attention to areas like the wings, legs, and neck, as these spots can be tricky to pluck thoroughly. If you notice any areas with remaining feathers, you may need to adjust the placement of the plucking fingers or the duration of the cycle.

Make Adjustments

If you find that the chicken is not fully plucked, don't be discouraged. Making adjustments to your chicken plucker is a normal part of the testing process. Try repositioning the plucking fingers to ensure they are evenly spaced and properly aligned with the drum. You may also need to experiment with different cycle durations or speeds to find the optimal settings for your machine.

Repeat the Process

Once you've made any necessary adjustments, repeat the testing process with another prepared chicken. Each test will provide valuable feedback on your plucker's performance and allow you to fine-tune it for optimal results. Remember, it may take a few tries to perfect your chicken plucker, but the time and effort invested will pay off in the long run.

Frequently asked questions