Right now, they are whole ducks! Some have been in the freezer for over a year. I am trying to decide what is the best thing to do with them. I did a lot of trapping in years gone by so know how to skin and dry the skins. I've even tanned a few and think I still have some of those supplies in a box in the garage.
Skinning and treating the hides will be the easiest for storage etc. also will probably be faster and neater than plucking as the birds are frozen, after a short thaw, skin will probably just about slide off. Clip the wings and cut down the back and peel. Never tried this before but I think it'll work. Put the skins in a drying frame, coat with broax, rub it in, let cure a day or so, brush off and reapply borax and repeat every couple days for a week or so.
Plucking, washing and drying will be more convient for end use I think. I know plucking them after thev'e been frozen long term is very easy. Advantage to me with plucking will be keeping the feathers somewhat presorted and I can be selective and not save any that will not be of use to me. Washing then drying in a pillow case is something I've never done but will have to try as the other methods seem to be a real PITA. I'm not talking about 50 - 100 feathers. Most of these birds are big and were healthy when euthanized. Lots of feathers to deal with. Also the potential for a huge mess if I get distracted.
Fatman, sounds like you are saying pluck then process.
