Harvesting Chicken Feathers

I'm not sure if this is the right spot for this thread or not, but here goes...

Given all the breeds of chickens there are that have really beautiful feathers, is there any way-when slaughter time comes around-to save the feathers for selling?  I'm panning on raising chickens for my own use-not commercially-but given the good nech market on colorful feathers, I thought it would be a nice occasional sideline, to sell the feathers from my harvested meat chickens.

The question is, is that possible to do without having to skin the bird? Are the feathers still in good shape AFTER you scaled the bird (to loosen the feathers to pluck more easily)?

Is this idea even feasable?

Leigh

hmmm. interesting question. i know that some breeds are prized for their feathers for tying flys especially the roosters. but those feathers are around the neck from my understanding. you either would have to be a good shot with the hatchet just below the head or wring their neck. I would think it wouldn't take too much more time to more carefully grab the more desirable feathers at the base to pull them out. feathers get wet in real live without problems but I am not so sure about the high temp of scalding breaking down the structure or not.  I will be interested in any info you turn up.