Questions about using feathers (1 Viewer)

2

2Pats

Member

• Nov 17, 2007

• #1

With six various feeders and a heated bird bath, I get tons of birds all year round. Consequently, I find tons of feathers, which I have saved in a plastic storage box on my porch. I would like to use these found feathers in crafts, decorations, and hair adornments. I understand that there are various diseases and parasites associated with birds and feathers. Is there a way to "sterilize" these feathers and use them as I mention, or am I wasting my time collecting them?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Patricia

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Nov 17, 2007

• #2

Here in the US it is actually not allowed to collect bird feathers. From the Federal Migratory Act:

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act decreed that all migratory birds and their parts (including eggs, nests, and feathers) were fully protected.

Click to expand...

 

2

2Pats

Member

• Nov 17, 2007

• #3

KCFoggin said:

Here in the US it is actually not allowed to collect bird feathers. From the Federal Migratory Act:

Click to expand...

Okay then, how about the feathers a friend gave me from her chickens?

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Nov 17, 2007

• #4

They should be fine as they are not covered under the migratory act.

As far as sterilizing them Patricia, not sure what to tell you with that. Soaking them in a mild solution of bleach and water and then sun dried should eliminate any parasites.

 

2

2Pats

Member

• Nov 18, 2007

• #5

Thanks!

I'll give that a try.

 

Clive Watson

Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit ampheta

• Nov 18, 2007

• #6

KCFoggin said:

Here in the US it is actually not allowed to collect bird feathers. From the Federal Migratory Act:

Click to expand...

Are you seriously saying that by collecting these feathers in her garden Patricia is breaking the law? No wonder there is that quote about the law being an ass!

 

a.dancy

Registered User

• Nov 18, 2007

• #7

The correct quote is "a ass" not "an ass":t:

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Nov 19, 2007

• #8

actually Adrian, it should be "an ass"

 

Robert / Seattle

Well-known member

• Nov 19, 2007

• #9

Clive Watson said:

Are you seriously saying that by collecting these feathers in her garden Patricia is breaking the law? No wonder there is that quote about the law being an ass!

Click to expand...

The reason for this is actually well-intentioned. It is to discourage the demand for such items in the marketplace, which would otherwise re-create a supply-side industry that may mimic the 19th-century wholesale slaughter of birds for their ornamental feathers.

Robert / Seattle

Addendum: For the same reason only farm-raised "game", when offered, is available in US restaurants, otherwise an incentive for poaching wild game would be created.

 

Last edited: Nov 19, 2007

a.dancy

Registered User

• Nov 19, 2007

• #10

KCFoggin said:

actually Adrian, it should be "an ass"

Click to expand...

Yes, perhaps it should be "an ass" but if one quotes from another then one should stay true to the quote:t:


Sorry Clive just having a bit of fun.

 

Clive Watson

Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit ampheta

• Nov 19, 2007

• #11

Robert / Seattle said:

The reason for this is actually well-intentioned. It is to discourage the demand for such items in the marketplace, which would otherwise re-create a supply-side industry that may mimic the 19th-century wholesale slaughter of birds for their ornamental feathers.

Click to expand...

Yeah, point taken. It does sound a bit daft though!