Featherman Blog - On-Farm Processing

Invest Once, Process for a Lifetime: Why Cheap Pluckers Fail

quality usa-made chicken plucker

Twenty-five years ago, Featherman offered the cheapest chicken plucker available—$750. Since then, our costs and prices have risen threefold. But wait—there are $300 poultry pluckers available today! What gives? First, let me say: I love that the entry-level doors have been blown open by cheap pluckers! It’s truly a blessing to many homesteaders and small […]

Farm to Freezer: What Independence Looks Like

Farm to Freezer Generational Homestead in Washington State

Up in Washington state, I had the privilege of working with one family who built something very special. Farm to Freezer (also known as Portage View Farm) made the homestead so welcoming siblings are moving back in. And why not? Great food for everyone, meaningful chores, and plenty of cousins for the kids created a […]

Myth Busting Poultry Processing: Part 2

Featherman Broiler Kill Cones and Stand David Schafer Poultry Processing

As promised, we’re back with more myths to bust. In Part 1, we tackled three common beliefs: Poultry Processing is Difficult, It’s Easier to Skin a Chicken, and I Can’t Afford Processing Equipment. Now, we’ll dive into some finer-point myths that matter just as much when it comes to processing. Myth #4.1: The Chopping Block […]

Myth Busting Poultry Processing: Part 1

processing poultry at home david schafer family kids featherman equipment

It’s gratifying to see so many people embracing poultry as a home enterprise—whether for nutrition, food security, kid-friendly chores, or simply the joy of keeping chickens. My personal favorite reasons? Building soil and the peaceful rhythm of morning and evening chores that bookend my day. But with that rising popularity comes an explosion of misinformation […]

A Dozen Ducks in a Row: Your Tactical Poultry Processing Prep Sheet for Summer

Poultry Processing Joel Salatin

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or prepping for your very first DDay (Dispatch Day), your ducks need to be in a row—tight, tidy, and executed with military precision. This is your PPS Guide Sheet: a tactical checklist to help you plan, prep, and process like a pro. Duck #1 – Bird Collection Collection must be […]