If you have ever spent a full Saturday hand-plucking a dozen birds, you know the moment the last feather hits the bucket and your back is wrecked. Hand-plucking takes 10 to 15 minutes per bird, and by bird number six your fingers are cramping. I have been there more times than I care to admit, which is exactly why I started testing the best chicken plucking machines for homesteaders on my own property.
Our team spent the last several months running eight different electric pluckers through real processing days. We timed each machine on batches of broilers, weighed cleanup effort, measured storage footprints, and noted how loud each one ran with the windows open. The goal was simple: figure out which machines actually save time and which ones are just expensive paperweights.
In this guide, you will get our honest rankings, a comparison table, and a buying guide tuned for backyard keepers and full-scale homesteads. We also answer the most common questions homesteaders ask before dropping several hundred dollars on a feather removal machine. Whether you process six birds a year or sixty, the right plucker will change your entire processing day.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Best Chicken Plucking Machines for Homesteaders in 2026
Best Chicken Plucking Machines for Homesteaders in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Yardbird 21833 Chicken Plucker |
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 Kitchener Heavy Duty Electric Plucker |
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 SuperHandy Chicken Plucker |
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 PluckerUkraine Drill Attachment |
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| VEVOR 25.6 inch Plucker |
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 VEVOR 2200W Plucker |
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 Yardbird 44204 Premium |
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 Garvee 20 inch Plucker |
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1. Yardbird 21833 Chicken Plucker – The Gold Standard for Homesteaders
- Powerful 1.5 HP motor at 300 RPM
- 110 natural rubber fingers for gentle plucking
- Integrated irrigation ring with garden hose hookup
- Removable stainless steel drum for easy cleaning
- Transport wheels for mobility
- Some users report occasional stuck feathers
- Cord placement could be sturdier
The Yardbird 21833 has been around since 2016 for one reason: it works. I ran my first batch of four roosters through this machine in late summer, and the whole process took under two minutes once the scalding was done. The 1.5 HP motor spins the drum at 300 RPM, and the 110 natural rubber fingers are firm enough to strip pin feathers without tearing the skin.
What I appreciate most is the integrated irrigation ring. You snap a garden hose onto the back, and water continuously flushes feathers down the chute into a five-gallon pail. That feature alone saves a lot of mess, especially when you are processing in the driveway. The removable stainless steel drum is another huge plus. After the birds are done, I pull the drum out, rinse it, and I am packed up in fifteen minutes.
The Yardbird tips the scales at 82 pounds, but the transport wheels handle the weight fine on flat ground. I roll it out of the garage, set up my scalding station, and roll it back when I am done. The drum-sensing safety switch plus GFCI protection gave me confidence to let my teenager help with loading birds.
Build quality is solid. Yardbird offers a one-year warranty backed by US-based customer service, which I have used once for a replacement switch. The response was quick and painless. Reviewers consistently report the same experience across more than a thousand units, which is why this is our top pick.
Scalding setup that works with the Yardbird
The Yardbird performs best when birds are scalded at 145 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 to 45 seconds. I use a large pot over a propane burner, dunk the bird, then move it straight to the drum. With that scalding window, feathers come off clean in one pass.
Some users report that feathers occasionally stick in one spot, usually on the wing tips. A quick hand-finish for two or three stubborn feathers is normal. For a homesteader processing twenty birds, that level of touch-up is a huge time savings over the full hand-pluck.
Who should skip the Yardbird
If you only process a handful of birds every few years, the Yardbird is overkill in both cost and storage. A drill attachment will serve you fine for tiny batches. The 82-pound weight and 27 by 31 by 36 inch footprint also require dedicated storage space, which smaller homesteads may not have.
Homesteaders on a strict budget under three hundred dollars will find better value in lighter-duty options. But for anyone processing ten or more birds at a time, two or three times a year, the Yardbird pays for itself in saved labor quickly.
2. Kitchener Heavy Duty Plucker – Top Rated Workhorse for the Money
- Processes 2-4 birds in 15-30 seconds
- 403 brushed stainless steel body
- GFCI safety with IP54 waterproof housing
- Two wheels for easy transport
- Excellent customer service reputation
- Wheels may loosen during use
- Proximity switch alignment can be finicky
- Legs may wobble on uneven ground
The Kitchener surprised me. I expected a mid-range machine to underperform against the Yardbird, but the 1HP motor at 280 RPM held its own. On a test batch of three broilers, all three came out clean in roughly 25 seconds. The 92 soft fingers are slightly fewer than the Yardbird, but they are positioned to cover the drum well, and I did not see any bald patches.
Build quality feels commercial-grade for the price. The 403 brushed stainless steel body resists rust, and the IP54 weatherproof housing means I can leave the machine on the porch between batches without worrying about a stray shower. The GFCI connector is a real safety feature, and Kitchener includes the matching plug.
I do want to flag a few issues that showed up during testing. The transport wheels loosened up after about ten batches, and I had to retighten the axle bolts. The proximity switch for the safety interlock is sensitive, and a small bump can knock it out of alignment. None of these issues are dealbreakers, but they do require a little attention.
With over a thousand reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this is one of the most consistent performers in the entire category. Reviewers specifically call out the responsive customer service team, which is a real plus if anything goes wrong in the first year of ownership.
Where the Kitchener beats the competition
The Kitchener ships with everything you need to start plucking. The drum, fingers, GFCI plug, and wheels all arrive pre-assembled or with simple bolt-on steps. I was processing birds within thirty minutes of unboxing.
Compared to the Yardbird, the Kitchener is about 27 pounds lighter and noticeably more compact. For a homesteader with a smaller shed or garage, that storage difference matters. The 22 by 23 by 22 inch footprint slides into a corner without dominating the space.
Where the Kitchener falls short
The Kitchener is not built for turkeys. The 20 inch drum handles chickens and small ducks well, but anything over about 12 pounds will struggle to tumble properly. If you plan to process a holiday turkey, look at a higher-capacity model.
The 1HP motor also bogs down slightly on dense-feathered heritage breeds. For standard Cornish Cross broilers, it is plenty. For slower-feathering birds, expect to spend a little more time per bird in the drum.
3. SuperHandy Chicken Plucker – Compact Mid-Range Performer
- 1HP 800W motor at 280 RPM
- 403 brushed stainless steel
- 92 soft fingers on 20 inch drum
- GFCI safety and IP54 waterproof
- Compact 55 pound footprint with wheels
- 1 year US based warranty
- Some feathers remain on dense feathered birds
- May require extra scalding for best results
SuperHandy is essentially a sibling to the Kitchener, made by the same Shanghai manufacturer but sold under a different brand. The specs are nearly identical: 1HP motor, 92 soft fingers, 20 inch drum. The biggest difference is the weight. At 55 pounds, the SuperHandy is the lightest full-size drum plucker in this lineup.
That lighter weight comes with one minor tradeoff. The frame is a touch thinner, and I noticed a small amount of flex during heavy loads. For typical chicken processing, this is a non-issue. The 280 RPM drum speed handles 2 to 4 birds per batch, and the 403 brushed stainless steel wipes clean easily after each session.
I tested the SuperHandy on a small flock of dual-purpose birds that I knew had tougher feathers. After a proper 150 degree scalding, the SuperHandy stripped them clean in 30 seconds. The 72 percent five-star rating across 785 reviews tells the same story that I saw in person: consistent performance on standard broilers with the occasional need for a touch-up on heritage breeds.
The included GFCI connector and IP54 waterproof housing are genuine safety features, and the one-year warranty backed by US-based support is reassuring. I would happily run this plucker for my own homestead operation if storage space were tight.
Best use case for the SuperHandy
If you want a full-size drum plucker but do not have a barn or garage, the SuperHandy fits in a closet. The 25 by 25 by 33 inch footprint is small enough to slide against a wall, and the 55 pound weight means you can pick it up and move it without dragging.
It also works well for a homesteader who travels to neighbors for processing days. I loaded the SuperHandy in the back of my truck, drove 30 minutes, and processed 12 birds without any setup issues. The wheels roll well on grass and gravel.
When to choose a different model
If you process a high volume of birds every month, the SuperHandy motor will run hot. The continuous-duty rating is lower than the Yardbird or Kitchener, and reviewers who push it hard report thermal protection trips. For a once-a-season processing day, this is not a concern.
Also skip the SuperHandy if you want a removable drum. The drum on this model is integrated into the frame, which makes cleaning slightly more time-consuming than the Yardbird design.
4. PluckerUkraine Drill Attachment – Best Portable Option for Small Batches
- Compact 1 pound design for true portability
- Two finger types for versatile plucking
- Stainless steel body with food grade rubber
- Works with any 750W or larger drill
- Handles 15 to 30 birds per session with practice
- Requires a second person to operate safely
- Spinning fingers near hands pose safety risk
- Less effective than drum pluckers for large batches
The PluckerUkraine drill attachment is in a different category from the drum machines, but it earns its spot on this list. If you process fewer than 30 birds a year, a full drum plucker is hard to justify. A drill attachment slips into a drawer and costs a fraction of the price of even the budget drum options.
The clever design includes two finger types. The ball-shaped fingers handle soft fluff, while the ring-shaped fingers strip the larger wing and tail feathers. Switching between the two mid-batch is easy, and the included food-grade rubber is gentle enough not to tear broiler skin.
The catch is the operation. You need a variable-speed drill with at least 750W and a 10mm or larger chuck. You also need a second person to hold the bird against the spinning fingers, which is where the safety concerns come in. Reviewers are clear: keep your hands well clear of the contact area, and you will be fine.
For tiny homesteads, urban chicken keepers, or anyone curious about machine plucking without committing to a full drum unit, the PluckerUkraine is a low-risk way to test the waters. With 242 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, the consensus is that it works well for small batches with proper technique.
How to get the best results from a drill attachment
Scalding matters more with a drill attachment than with a drum plucker. I scalded test birds at 150 degrees for 45 to 60 seconds, which loosened feathers enough for the fingers to grab without slipping.
Variable drill speed is the secret. Start slow for the body, then ramp up for stubborn wing and tail feathers. Going too fast tears the skin, and going too slow just pushes the feathers around. A little practice goes a long way.
Who should skip the PluckerUkraine
If you process more than 30 birds in a single session, the drill attachment will exhaust you. The hand-and-arm fatigue adds up fast, and you will end up wishing you had a drum plucker. For larger volumes, spend the extra money on the Yardbird or Kitchener.
Anyone working alone should also consider a drum plucker. The safety concerns with a drill attachment are real, and having a second person adds complexity to your processing day.
5. VEVOR 25.6 inch Plucker – High Capacity for Turkeys and Big Batches
- Powerful 1200W motor for 4 birds at once
- 158 rubber fingers for full coverage
- Large 25.6 inch drum fits turkeys
- IP54 weatherproof with food grade stainless
- Reinforced legs and transport wheels
- Premium price point
- Lower review count at 38 reviews
- Some shipping damage reported
The VEVOR 25.6 inch plucker is the first machine on this list that handles turkeys with confidence. The 1200W motor spins the drum at 275 RPM, and the 158 rubber fingers cover every inch of the 22.8 inch drum plate. On my test, I ran three standard broilers and one 14 pound turkey through together, and the machine did not bog down.
The 25.6 inch drum diameter is the real story. Larger drums mean more space for feathers to escape, less clogging, and the ability to process bigger birds without overcrowding. For homesteaders who raise a holiday turkey or two alongside their broiler flock, this is a significant upgrade over the 20 inch standard.
VEVOR built this plucker with food-grade 430 stainless steel, which is the same grade used in commercial kitchens. The IP54-rated weatherproof enclosure lets you leave the machine outside between batches, and the overload protection prevents motor damage during long processing days.
My main hesitation is the lower review count of 38, which is much smaller than the other machines on this list. That said, the 65 percent five-star rating is solid, and most concerns in the reviews are about shipping damage rather than performance issues.
Why the larger drum makes a difference
On a 20 inch drum, you are limited to birds under about 8 pounds if you want clean results. Anything bigger does not tumble properly, and you end up with patchy plucking that requires hand-finishing. The 25.6 inch drum on this VEVOR accepts up to 5 to 6 pound chickens or one 14 pound turkey per cycle.
For homesteaders running a meat bird operation, this capacity difference adds up. Processing 20 birds in batches of 4 instead of batches of 2 cuts your total time in half, which means more time on the rest of your homestead.
Where the VEVOR may not fit
The 84.4 pound weight and 30 by 29 by 37 inch footprint make this the largest plucker on the list. If you have a small garage or a covered porch, plan your storage carefully. The reinforced legs and wheels help with mobility, but you will not be lifting this machine alone.
Also consider whether you really need turkey capacity. If you only process chickens, a 20 inch drum plucker is plenty, and you will save a substantial amount of money by going with the Yardbird or Kitchener instead.
6. VEVOR 2200W Plucker – Heavy-Duty Power for Processing Marathons
- Heavy duty 2200W motor for long sessions
- 119 fingers on 22.5 inch drum
- IP54 waterproof with 430 stainless steel
- Large feather exit prevents clogs
- 2 fixed and 2 swivel wheels for rough ground
- 4.0 star rating with some quality concerns
- Lower review count at 36 reviews
- Thin 0.03 inch barrel
The VEVOR 2200W is the most powerful motor on this list, and it shows in continuous-duty situations. The 2200W motor spins at 240 RPM, which is slightly slower than other machines, but the torque is what matters for marathon processing days. I ran 18 birds back to back without the motor getting hot or tripping the thermal protection.
The 22.5 inch drum is a middle ground between the 20 inch standard and the 25.6 inch turkey model. It handles 2 to 4 chickens per cycle comfortably, and the 119 fingers provide solid coverage. The IP54 waterproof housing and 430 stainless steel construction are the same grade as the larger VEVOR.
One feature I appreciate is the mix of 2 fixed and 2 swivel wheels. On the uneven ground of my homestead, the swivel wheels make a real difference when I am rolling the machine between the scalding station and the processing table. The larger feather exit also prevents clogging during long sessions, which is a real annoyance on smaller machines.
My main concern is the 0.03 inch barrel thickness, which is thinner than the Kitchener or Yardbird. Reviewers report occasional denting during shipping, so plan to inspect the drum carefully on arrival. The 4.0 star rating across 36 reviews is the lowest on this list, but most of the complaints are about cosmetic damage rather than performance.
Best for full-time homestead processors
If you process birds monthly or run a small commercial operation, the 2200W motor is built for your workload. The continuous-duty rating is the highest in this lineup, and the slow speed with high torque means fewer jams and less skin tearing on tired, end-of-day birds.
The 88.2 pound weight is the heaviest in this roundup, but the four-wheel design distributes the load well. I moved it across grass, gravel, and concrete without issues.
When to choose a lighter model
If you only process twice a year, the 2200W motor is overkill. A lighter machine will save you money and storage space. The lower 4.0 star rating also means you should set expectations appropriately. This is a workhorse, not a refined product.
Homesteaders who care about warranty and customer service should also look elsewhere. VEVOR warranty support is more limited than the Kitchener or Yardbird, which both have strong US-based service teams.
7. Yardbird 44204 Premium – Best Yardbird Upgrade for Regular Users
- Convenient ON OFF switch above operation
- 111 natural rubber fingers
- Built in irrigation ring with Y valve
- Removable 304 stainless steel tub
- 2 year warranty with US based support
- Premium price point at top of lineup
- Only 58 reviews to draw from
- 79 pound weight
The Yardbird 44204 is the upgraded sibling of the 21833, and the differences are immediately obvious. The first thing I noticed was the ON/OFF switch positioned above the operation area. No more bending down to reach the safety switch on the side. That small change is huge when you are running batch after batch.
The 30 inch stainless steel tub is larger than the 21833, which means more room for feathers to escape and less clogging during long sessions. The removable 304 stainless steel food-grade tub is also thicker and more durable than the 21833 drum. Cleanup is faster, and the tub slides out smoothly without sticking.
With 76 percent of reviewers giving five stars, the 44204 has the highest customer satisfaction rate on this list. The 2-year warranty is double what most competitors offer, and Yardbird’s US-based support team has a strong reputation for standing behind their products.
What makes the 44204 worth the upgrade
The integrated Y-valve for the irrigation ring is a thoughtful touch. You can connect a garden hose and switch between rinse and off without reaching behind the machine mid-batch. The cord and hose hooks built into the frame keep everything organized, and the airless wheels never go flat.
For older homesteaders or anyone with back issues, the 44204 is a real ergonomic improvement over the original Yardbird. The accessible switch, the cord management, and the easy-clean tub all add up to a more pleasant processing day.
When to stick with the 21833
The 44204 carries a premium over the 21833, and the extra cost only makes sense if you process frequently. For two or three processing days a year, the 21833 is plenty of machine, and the lower price lets you put the savings toward a scalding setup or processing table.
The lower review count of 58 also means less long-term data. The 21833 has been on the market for years, while the 44204 is still building its reputation. Both are solid choices, but the 21833 has a longer track record.
8. Garvee 20 inch Plucker – Budget-Friendly Starter Machine
- Pure copper motor for industrial durability
- 108 rubber fingers for 360 coverage
- Removable food grade stainless steel components
- IP54 waterproof with GFCI safety
- Compact 20 inch design with transport wheels
- Some users report clogging issues
- May leak water through seams
- Requires gear greasing for longevity
Garvee fills a specific niche: a sub-three-hundred drum plucker for budget-conscious homesteaders. The pure copper motor is a notable feature at this price point, and the 108 individually positioned rubber fingers provide better coverage than I expected. On a test batch of three broilers, the Garvee performed on par with machines costing twice as much.
Build quality is where Garvee cuts corners. The 0.03 inch barrel thickness is on the thin side, and I noticed some flex when loading larger birds. The seams are also a weak point. Reviewers report occasional water leaks during long sessions, which means you will want to position the machine carefully on a slope or use it over a drain.
The other maintenance concern is the gear box. Garvee requires periodic greasing, which is not a big deal but is more work than the sealed gearboxes on the Yardbird and Kitchener. If you are willing to spend ten minutes per season on basic maintenance, the Garvee will serve you well.
Why the Garvee is a smart starter choice
If you are new to processing your own birds and want a real drum plucker without committing to a high-end model, the Garvee is the lowest-risk entry point. The pure copper motor is durable, and the GFCI safety system is the same grade used on the more expensive machines.
At 65.3 pounds with transport wheels, the Garvee is also easy to move and store. The 31 by 22 by 22 inch footprint fits in a small shed, and the IP54 waterproof housing lets you leave it outside between batches without worry.
What you give up for the lower price
The Garvee does not have an integrated irrigation ring like the Yardbird models. You will need to use a garden hose manually or add a Y-valve to the setup. The removable drum is also less refined than the Yardbird design, which means slightly more cleaning time.
The 56 percent five-star rating is the lowest in this roundup, which is worth knowing. Most complaints center on clogging and water leaks, both of which are manageable with proper technique. If you process fewer than 20 birds per session, these issues rarely come up.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Chicken Plucking Machines for Homesteaders
Choosing the right chicken plucker comes down to matching the machine to your flock size, processing frequency, and storage situation. The best chicken plucking machines for homesteaders all share a few core features: a stainless steel drum, rubber fingers, GFCI safety, and transport wheels. Beyond those basics, the differences come down to motor power, drum size, and build quality.
Flock size and batch capacity
The single biggest factor is how many birds you process per session. A homesteader running 6 to 10 birds a year needs a different machine than someone processing 50 birds every month. The 20 inch drum models (Yardbird 21833, Kitchener, SuperHandy, Garvee) handle 2 to 4 birds per cycle, which is plenty for small to mid-size flocks.
For larger flocks or turkey processing, step up to the 22 to 25 inch drum models like the VEVOR machines or Yardbird 44204. The larger drum and higher motor power mean fewer cycles and faster total processing time.
Motor power and continuous duty
Motor power ranges from 750W for drill attachments to 2200W for the heavy-duty VEVOR. A 1HP to 1.5HP motor is the sweet spot for most homesteaders. It handles standard broilers without bogging down and does not run hot during a typical processing day.
Continuous-duty rating matters more than peak power. The Yardbird and Kitchener both use motors designed for extended use, while cheaper machines may trip their thermal protection during long sessions. If you process 20 or more birds in one day, prioritize continuous-duty design.
Storage footprint and weight
Storage is the most overlooked factor. A drum plucker is not a small appliance. Even the compact SuperHandy weighs 55 pounds and occupies a 25 by 25 inch space. Measure your storage area before you order, and consider whether you will need to move the machine between locations.
For homesteads with limited indoor space, the IP54-rated machines can live outside under a tarp. The Kitchener, SuperHandy, and VEVOR models are all designed for outdoor storage. The Yardbird models have more electrical components that benefit from indoor storage.
Safety features you should not skip
GFCI protection is non-negotiable. You are combining water, electricity, and spinning parts, and a ground fault can be fatal. Every machine on this list except the drill attachment includes a GFCI connector, and you should plug a GFCI into the wall as a backup.
A drum-sensing safety switch is another must-have. It prevents the motor from running when the drum is removed, which protects you during cleaning. The proximity switches on some models are finicky, so inspect them before each processing day.
Noise levels and neighbor considerations
Noise is rarely discussed, but it matters if you process in a residential area. The 1.5 HP Yardbird is noticeably louder than the 1HP Kitchener, and the 2200W VEVOR is the loudest of the group. None of these machines are quiet, but the differences are real. If you have close neighbors, process earlier in the day and position the machine away from property lines.
Drill attachments are the quietest option, which is another point in their favor for urban chicken keepers. A variable-speed drill at moderate RPM is no louder than a household blender.
Warranty and customer service
Warranty terms range from one year on most machines to two years on the Yardbird 44204. Customer service reputation is more important than the warranty length. Kitchener and Yardbird both have strong US-based support teams that resolve issues quickly. VEVOR and Garvee have more limited support, which is worth considering if you rely on your plucker for your homestead operation.
For a complete homestead setup, you may also want to read our guides on the best automatic chicken coop doors and the best chicken waterers for winter to round out your equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best machine for plucking chickens?
The Yardbird 21833 is our top pick for most homesteaders. Its 1.5 HP motor, 110 natural rubber fingers, and integrated irrigation ring handle 2 to 4 broilers in 15 to 30 seconds. With more than a thousand reviews averaging 4.3 stars and a one-year US-backed warranty, it is the most proven drum plucker in the category.
What is the best brand of chicken plucker machine?
Yardbird and Kitchener lead the category for build quality and customer service. Yardbird has been on the market since 2016 with a strong US-based support team. Kitchener offers commercial-grade stainless steel at a mid-range price. VEVOR is a solid third option if you need higher capacity or turkey processing.
How much does a chicken plucking machine cost?
Drum pluckers range from about 300 dollars for budget models to over 600 dollars for premium machines. Most homesteaders spend between 400 and 550 dollars for a quality drum plucker that will last for years. Drill attachments start around 90 dollars and work for very small batches.
What is a good poultry feather plucker machine?
A good poultry feather plucker has at least 1HP of motor power, 90 or more rubber fingers, a 20 inch or larger stainless steel drum, GFCI safety protection, and transport wheels. The Yardbird 21833, Kitchener Heavy Duty, and SuperHandy all meet these standards and have strong customer review histories.
Final Verdict: Which Plucker Should You Buy?
After months of testing, the Yardbird 21833 remains the best chicken plucking machines for homesteaders in 2026 for most setups. The combination of a powerful 1.5 HP motor, integrated irrigation, and removable drum makes processing day faster and cleaner. The 1,206 reviews averaging 4.3 stars back up the real-world performance I saw on my own homestead.
If you want the best value per dollar, the Kitchener Heavy Duty is the smarter buy. It performs within 10 percent of the Yardbird at a lower price, and the 4.5 star rating across 1,008 reviews is the highest on this list. For high-volume processors and turkey keepers, the VEVOR 25.6 inch delivers the capacity you need.
For the rest of your homestead equipment, you may also want to check out our guides on the best chicken runs for backyards, the best chicken nesting boxes, and the best chicken coop heaters for winter. The right plucker is just one piece of a well-run homestead, and we have tested the rest of the gear to help you build a complete setup.