What do you do with all those feathers?

Lindeggs · « **on:** February 15, 2011, 20:30 »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2011, 20:42 »

My pal George told me just recently that they make good compost!

Not sure if that's true though!

Lindeggs · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2011, 21:11 »

Quote from: A. Fallowfield on February 15, 2011, 20:42

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2011, 21:13 »

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

A. Fallowfield · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2011, 21:49 »

Sorry, thinking about the soil again!

Must be a local market!

Chookiechook · « **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2011, 22:10 »

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 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 15, 2011, 22:35 »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2011, 23:04 »

Quote from: A. Fallowfield on February 15, 2011, 21:49

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 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 15, 2011, 23:06 »

Quote from: Pol on February 15, 2011, 21:13

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 15, 2011, 23:15 »

Quote from: Lindeggs on February 15, 2011, 20:30

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 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2011, 23:19 »

Quote from: Lindeggs on February 15, 2011, 21:11

Quote from: A. Fallowfield on February 15, 2011, 20:42
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 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2011, 01:12 »

Oh Hillfooter!

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

Sassy · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2011, 08:40 »

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

joyfull · « **Reply #13 on:** February 16, 2011, 08:43 »

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 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 16, 2011, 12:08 »

Quote from: Lindeggs on February 16, 2011, 01:12

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

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What do you do with all those feathers?

Lindeggs

What do you do with all those feathers?

A. Fallowfield

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

Lindeggs

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

Pol

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

A. Fallowfield

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

Chookiechook

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

ManicMum

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

Lindeggs

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

Lindeggs

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

hillfooter

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

hillfooter

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

Lindeggs

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

Sassy

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

joyfull

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

hillfooter

Re: What do you do with all those feathers?

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