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1. When catching the birds to be slaughtered, rough handling will result in broken wings and legs and bruise. Be aware of this and take the necessary preventative steps.
2. The secret to a successful feather plucking process is the sustained optimum temperature of the water. If the water is too cold, you will not get a 100% plucked bird. Too hot and the flesh will be pink and damaged.
3. Hygiene, Hygiene, Hygiene. One cannot stress enough the importance of hygenic processing. Clean garments, clean head coverings, clean hands, scrubbed nails and disposable gloves, clean rubber boots, clean equipment, clean walls and floors. There are many disenfectants on the market. Your local health authority can recommend suitable products.
4. Make every effort to keep flies away from the plucked birds. In addition to maintained hygiene as above, gauze netting over open windows and gauze doors will assist in this regard.
5. Poultry is extemely susceptible to high temperatures in quickly becoming unfit for consumption. Ensure that the carcass is cooled down as quickly as possible. Never pack poultry, that is still warm, into a plastic bag.
6. Remember not to wear loose clothing when working on the plucking machine. No flapping ties, no long loose sleeves or bibs. Long hair to be tied up and kept out of the way under a head cover.
7. Ensure electrical connections eg extension leads and plugs do not get wet.
8. After plucking, feathers will need to be disposed of as they attract flies.
9. Similarly, you will need to dispose of the intestines or find an outlet for them.
10. Have a First Aid kit ready and availble. Accidents do happen.