Defeathering machines handle a wide range of poultry such as cockerels, broilers, turkeys, and old layers. Simple plucking drums that can handle one to five chickens at a time are available for small and medium scale poultry producers. Egg sorting machines are versatile and can be used for any type of small bird like hen eggs, quail eggs, duck eggs and goose eggs. Different configurations of graders suit different needs and demands, with lower capacity machines being ideal for small free-range layer chicken farmers.

Most defeathering machines are made of a drum that is fitted with multiple high-speed rotating metal discs that bear rubber fingers. The movement of these protruding parts over the body removes the feathers. Egg sorting machines are made of a series of weight sensitive belts that allow eggs to roll onto spaces to received eggs of different grades. The calibration of these belts determines the sorting and thus a critical part of operations. Egg sorters may be coupled with collectors in cages and box loading machines for full automation.

The capacity of the defeathering and egg sorting machines must be matched with the flock size and production line specifications. Both technologies require well-trained staff, and adequate water and electricity supply are required. Specialty slaughtering equipment are required to minimize animal suffering and keep meat safe. Once defeathered the whole chicken is coated to improve preservation or moved to a filleting line. A fridge or freezer is needed to safely store the meat. For eggs, after collection they are first washed using an odorless detergent solution with cool water to prevent it from moving through the shell. It is common practice to spray eggs with food-grade oil to reduce moisture loss and bacterial growth. Processing equipment is made of stainless steel and must be cleaned regularly for maintaining quality standards and prevent adulteration with foreign materials.