[Lindeggs]

I have six lovely pullets on order - chosen for their temperament, laying ability, and also their beauty.  I have ordered Light Sussex, Barred Rocks and Barnevelders.

Having read all about moulting on here, I wondered if any of you do interesting things with the moulted feathers? Is it possible to collect them up and use them, or are they usually all tatty and mucky by the time you get them?

A Barnevelder hat rather appeals... or a Light Sussex stole...  or a Barred Rock bedspread?

[A. Fallowfield]

My pal George told me just recently that they make good compost!
Not sure if that's true though!

[Lindeggs]

My pal George told me just recently that they make good compost!
Not sure if that's true though!

I imagine most organic matter makes good compost.  But what a waste!  I was thinking more along the lines of this:

[Pol]

I make my own cards and sometimes use the feathers on them

[A. Fallowfield]

Sorry, thinking about the soil again!

Must be a local market!

[Chookiechook]

I had an artist approach me and ask if she could have any that I could find... but to be honest there hasnt been that many birds moult yet to make it worth while

[ManicMum]

There's a thread on the Chat section about artistic uses of eggshells - can we combine the two and have shell'n'feather products with artistic merit?

[Lindeggs]

Sorry, thinking about the soil again!

Must be a local market!

Yes, there is certainly a Maori tradition of feather cloaks.  That's one of the inspirations for using them artistically (although I do appreciate the beauty of a lovely, rich compost!)

My partner is a member of the Ngapuhi iwi (a northern tribe).  I wonder if some of the women of his tribe might like them for weaving.

How would I clean them and store them?  I would hate to present a gift of grubby old feathers!

[Lindeggs]

I make my own cards and sometimes use the feathers on them

That's a good idea, Pol!  I might start designing some Easter cards.  That should help keep me occupied until my long-awaited chookies arrive. 

[hillfooter]

I have six lovely pullets on order - chosen for their temperament, laying ability, and also their beauty.  I have ordered Light Sussex, Barred Rocks and Barnevelders.

Having read all about moulting on here, I wondered if any of you do interesting things with the moulted feathers? Is it possible to collect them up and use them, or are they usually all tatty and mucky by the time you get them?

A Barnevelder hat rather appeals... or a Light Sussex stole...  or a Barred Rock bedspread?

Well all that moulting can certainly get you down

HF

[hillfooter]

My pal George told me just recently that they make good compost!
Not sure if that's true though!

I imagine most organic matter makes good compost.  But what a waste!  I was thinking more along the lines of this:

You're absolutely right Lindeggs, she'd certainly make good compost!
HF

[Lindeggs]

Oh Hillfooter!    She would make terrible compost.  Your garden fork would get tangled up in all that wire in her hat.

[Sassy]

I've no doubt my cockerel would quite like her hat!!!

[joyfull]

I know guinea fowl feathers are dyed and sold on ebay for using in crafts and also for fly fishing flies. Other feathers could be good for this as well.

[hillfooter]

Oh Hillfooter!    She would make terrible compost.  Your garden fork would get tangled up in all that wire in her hat.

I suppose you're right Lindeggs but I guess I could stuff her in a duvet
HF