Butchering ducks-poultry wax

[SJSFarm]

I have some muscovies I'm about to do, but I need the skin on one. Can someone tell me about wax? I read about and watched some youtube videos about it and it seems to be a fantastic way to strip the bird, but the wax seems expensive. Is it really worth it? Or is there a cheaper wax I can use, paraffin maybe?

I helped a friend butcher out her Cornish crosses last year and we used the homemade wizbang. That was great! Two at a time in under 20 seconds! WOW! Unfortunately, it was borrowed from a friend of hers, so I can't borrow it.

Any other suggestions are appreciated. By the way, the ones I'm about to do are 13 months (the parents) and 4 1/2 months (some of their offspring).

Thanks all

[farmerstac]

Yes the wax is pricey but it will last through several butcherings. I won't butcher without it, I want the skin and fat too. I have never used paraffin wax for butchering so I can't speak to that. I know that its softer than what I have for butchering.

I like to dry pick then waxed if you catch them right they haven't grown alot of pin feathers so they are easier to work with.

The barrel pickers are nice but are pricey. For under $10.00 I made a plucker with pvc pipe, threaded rod, fingers and a drill. It worked really well for me. it was messy but quick to pluck a chicken.

[fishhead]

I'm pretty sure my friends used paraffin to clean their wild ducks.