How to Remove Turkey Pin Feathers

If you didn't grow up on a farm where turkeys were raised and killed for food then you probably don't know how to clean a turkey. Immediately after the bird is dead, pull out as many feathers as you can with your hands. There will be some feathers that won't budge. That's when you dunk the bird in scalding water for 45 seconds. Pull it out and you'll find the rest of the large feathers release easily. But then you notice these fine little hairy feathers all over the bird. These are pin feathers and they must also be removed.

Things You'll Need

• Turkey
• Propane torch
• Matches

Instructions

1. Set the bird on a clean, dry, non-flammable surface.

2. Light a propane torch and cut the flame back. Aim the flame at the bird to singe the feathers off. To singe is to lightly burn off the pin feathers without burning the skin of the bird. Keep the torch moving in a circular motion.

3. Rotate the bird from side to side and top to bottom while singeing. Hold the bird up to the light periodically to check for pin feathers. When you can't see any pin feathers protruding from the skin turn the propane torch off.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a propane torch or if you run out of fuel in the middle of singeing, take regular newspaper and roll it into a loosely shaped torch and light the end. Pass the soft flame over the surface of the bird and the pin feathers will burn off. Do this method outdoors so you don't start a fire in the house.

References

• AllExperts: Cooking Meat - Wild Turkey