How to Build a Mobile Chicken Processing Setup

🌟 Why Go Mobile?

• Process chickens on-site, reducing stress for the birds.
• Create a sanitary, flexible workspace.
• Avoid permanent structures (helpful for rental or shared land).
• Comply more easily with some state regulations.

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🛠️ Core Components of a Mobile Processing Unit

Station	Equipment Needed	Notes
1. Kill Station	Killing cones, blood catch bucket, table	Cone rack mounted to trailer or stand
2. Scalding Station	40–60 qt pot, propane burner, thermometer	Needs to reach 145–155°F reliably
3. Plucking Station	Chicken plucker (drum-style or hand), drainage	Bolt to trailer or mount on a table
4. Evisceration Station	Table with food-safe surface, knives, buckets	Needs water access and shaded area
5. Chill Station	Ice bath cooler or tote, clean water	Keep birds in for 1+ hour to cool properly
6. Packing Station	Bags, labels, vacuum sealer (optional)	Label weight/date; consider freezer use

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🔧 Trailer or Base Setup

1. Flatbed Utility Trailer (5’x8′ or 6’x10′ works well)
   • Mount killing cone rack and plucker
   • Add a fold-out work table or mount a removable cutting table
   • Optional canopy for sun/rain protection
2. Water Supply
   • Use a food-grade water tank with a hose and gravity flow or a 12V pump
   • Include a greywater collection system if required by local regulations
3. Power Supply
   • Gas generator or battery bank for plucker/vacuum sealer
   • Propane burner for scalding pot

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🧼 Sanitation & Safety

• Food-safe surfaces (stainless or HDPE cutting boards)
• Bleach/water rinse for equipment between uses (1 tbsp bleach per gal)
• Non-slip floor mats (if working on ground or trailer)
• Disposable gloves and aprons
• First aid kit on hand

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📋 Optional Add-ons

• Handwashing station (camping-style jug with foot pump + soap)
• Waste buckets with lids (for feathers and guts)
• Feather collection barrel (if composting)
• Bird holding crates (stackable, washable)

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💵 Estimated Cost Breakdown (DIY-Friendly)

Item	Estimated Cost
Utility trailer (used)	$500–$1,500
Plucker (drum-style)	$400–$600
Scalder (pot + burner)	$100–$200
Killing cones (3–4)	$50–$100
Water system (tank, hose, pump)	$100–$300
Tables + bins + coolers	$150–$300
Misc. (knives, buckets, gloves, ice)	$100+
Total Range:	$1,400 – $3,000

You can cut costs by using salvaged materials or building your own scalder, cones, or tables.

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🧠 Tips for Efficient Use

• Process in batches of 5–10 birds.
• Keep a “clean” and “dirty” side of the trailer/workflow.
• Ice and water are your most important tools—keep birds cool!
• Practice before using it for demonstrations or bulk butchering.
• Keep records and track any state licensing requirements (e.g., exemption limits, mobile unit rules).