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The quail plucking machine is one of the critical steps in quail processing. It offers an efficient and systematic way to remove feathers from the quail. Quail plucking machines can be generally classified into two main types: the rotary quail plucking machine and the liquid singe quail plucking machine.
Rotary Quail Plucking Machines:
Rotary quail plucking machines operate by using a wheel fitted with rubber fingers. When the machine is switched on, the wheel rotates, and the rubber fingers gently touch and pull out the feathers of the quail, thereby removing the quail feathers. Afterwards, the operator can rinse the bird or further process it. Rotary pluckers vary in size and are between 24 and 60 inches wide. They can come in both electric and non-electric versions.
Liquid Singe Plucking Machines:
The liquid single quail plucking machine involves the application of hot water and the spraying of a fine mist of propane. The propane flames singe the feathers after the hot water softens them. This approach minimizes damage to the bird and improves the quality of feather removal. It also shortens the time required for plucking. Liquid singe machines tend to be more expensive than rotary plucking machines, but they offer faster production rates. Buyers can expect that they would find models that can process anything from 300 to 600 birds an hour.
Capacity
The capacity specifies the number of birds the machine can process simultaneously. It typically ranges from 10 to 20 quails per batch.
Power Source
The power source denotes whether the machine is electrically or manually operated. For electric machines, the power requirement will range from 0.5 to 2 kilowatts.
Water Connection
A water-required quail-plucking machine has a water inlet that connects to a water source, allowing water to flow during the plucking process.
Finger Material
The fingers' materials are either rubber or silicone, both gentle on the bird's skin while effectively removing the feathers.
Weight
The plucking machine's weight can vary depending on its size and construction. It is usually 50 to 200 kilograms.
Body Material
Quail plucking machines are commonly made of stainless steel, a durable, corrosion-resistant, easily cleanable material.
Noise Level
Quail plucking machines can generate noise, and the noise level is usually between 70 and 90 decibels, depending on the machine's size and design.
Clean
Regularly clean the machine after each use to remove any residual feathers, dirt, or debris. Focus on all parts, including the plucking discs, combs, and bowls. Use water, mild detergent, and a brush or sponge to clean the machine.
Inspect
Regularly check the machine's various parts, such as plucking discs, fingers, and other accessories, to see if there are any signs of wear or damage. Replace the damaged parts to ensure the proper functioning of the machine.
Lubrication
Periodic lubrication is required for the moving parts, such as chains, gears, and bearings, to keep them operating smoothly and reduce friction and wear.
Fix
Regularly check the machine's fasteners, such as bolts and screws, to see if they are loose, and tighten them as required to ensure the stability and safety of the equipment.
Electronics
If the machine is electrically driven, check the electric wires and connections to ensure they are safe and reliable.
Coarse and Fine Clean
Additionally, periodically conduct thorough cleaning. Follow the instructions carefully and dismantle the parts that are not easy to clean. Wipe the entire machine with a wet cloth to ensure no residue is left.
Quail plucking machines are helpful in several industries, farms and domestic settings. Some of these include the following:
Commercial quail farms
Many commercial quail farms have adopted the use of this machine, given its speed and efficiency. A single machine can harvest the feathers of numerous quails, allowing such farms to meet their market demand.
Small-scale quail farms
Even small-scale quail farmers can benefit from the assistance of automated plucking machines. Their size and affordability make them perfect for petite ventures that specialize in breeding and selling quails.
Game bird processing facilities
Institutions that specialize in processing game birds for commercial sell benefit from using quail plucking machines, as they reduce the time taken to prepare the birds for sell. Handling quails becomes more efficient with the help of these machines, which enhances the overall production line.
Research institutions and labs
Some institutions raise quails for research purposes. These include studying their genetics, behavior and reproductive system. In such cases, the feathers have to be removed from the birds without harming them. Since these machines operate with gentleness and precision, they are suited for this task.
Farm-to-table restaurants
Many restaurants that pride themselves in preparing home-made meals prefer to rear their own poultry. This helps them ensure that their customers only enjoy meals made with fresh produce. These restaurants often use quail plucking machines to prepare their home-raised birds for cooking and serving to customers.
Quail meat processors
Quail meat is a delicacy many people have come to enjoy. As the demand keeps rising, meat processing companies have taken on the task of preparing and packaging quails for distribution across nations. Quail plucking machines save such companies time and labor, allowing them to turn their attention to what yields better revenue.
Export and packaging facilities
After processing the quail birds, the next step is usually to package and label them for export. Several facilities specialize in this type of work. Quail plucking machines prove to be essential assets that make the entire process seamless and quick, thereby facilitating timely exportation and importation of quail birds to and from different countries.
Quail breeding farms
Automation is key to breeding and hatching quail eggs. Since the birds are only raised for their meat, it is essential to have an efficient system in place. Quail plucking machines help streamline operations, thus resulting in high productivity and reduced costs.
Several factors need to be considered when purchasing a quail plucking machine, such as the capacity, noise level, ease of use and cleaning, price, and reviews.
Capacity
It is important to know how many quails a person usually plucks in a specific time frame. If a person runs a small-scale operation, a machine with the capacity to pluck 10-20 quails at a time would be sufficient. For larger-scale operations where a person plucks hundreds of quails daily, it would be better to invest in a machine with a higher capacity.
Noise
The noise level of the machine is taken into consideration as well. Quail plucking machines can be a bit noisy, which is understandable. However, some machines are louder than others. It is important to purchase a machine which has a tolerable noise level and won’t disturb the people around. People who live in a quiet neighborhood should be more concerned about the noise level.
Ease of use and cleaning
The ease of use and cleaning is also an important factor. It should be purchased a machine that is user friendly so that staff and other workers do not find it difficult to operate. Once the plucking process is complete, the machine should also be easy to clean so that there is no build-up of bacteria.
Price
Before purchasing the machine, it is better to know what kind of budget one has. Quail plucking machines are available at different prices with varying features. It is important to note that while the price is important, investing in a good quality machine that will last for years should be top priority.
Customer reviews
Customer reviews are important to read before making a final decision. People have purchased the machines before and have first-hand experience using them. Their reviews can give valuable insight into the pros and cons of different models and help make an informed decision.
Q1: How many quails can a machine plucker process at once?
A1: It depends on the size of the quail plucking machine. Small machines can handle 1 to 3 quails at a time, while bigger ones can process dozens or even hundreds of quails in a single batch.
Q2: How fast can a quail plucking machine remove feathers?
A2: The rate varies by machine and whether the quail is kept in one piece or not. Some machines can extract feathers from one whole, uncut bird in 5 to 10 seconds. Counting the time it takes to prepare the bird, the process can take 20 to 30 seconds for each bird. Reviewing this process in detail can help buyers estimate the machine's capacity for their specific needs.
Q3: Can a quail plucking machine be used for other birds?
A3: Some machines can extract feathers from small birds like quails, pheasants, and partridges. However, the machines made for larger birds will only be able to extract the feathers from large birds if they are modified. Conversely, small birds may be too small for the machines and risk injury.
Q4: What are the cleaning requirements for a quail plucking machine?
A4:Cleaning requirements vary by machine. Most of the machines require a washdown after use to prevent any buildup of feathers or other debris. Some have removable parts that are more easily cleaned. Please refer to the manufacturer's instructions for detailed cleaning requirements.