Without specialized deodorizing chemicals, Eric had no desire for the blanket he slept under every day to reek of chicken feathers. That would no longer be a source of warmth, but an instrument of torture.
After much thought, he still used the large cast-iron wok to boil a full pot of water. Scalding the feathers several times should help eliminate the smell.
Occasionally, boiling water would splash on him. It still stung, but it was much better than when he was fully human. The scalding drops didn't even raise blisters on his skin.
Max, however, was even more formidable. He plunged his entire hand directly into the boiling water to wash the feathers, and when he pulled it out, it wasn't even red. No wonder even magic couldn't penetrate him; that defensive layer was incredibly strong.
