How to Clean & Santitize Feathers To Use in Artwork and Slow Stitching

Feathers are beautiful treasures from nature that can be used in artwork from mixed media, journals, and slow stitching projects. But, did you know that in the USA, not all feathers are allowed to be gathered and collected?
Be sure to check out the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
www.fws.gov/la...
and peruse the list of protected birds.
bit.ly/3pzBKXR
If you do find a feather that qualifies for a collection or that you want to use in your artwork, be sure to clean it properly. Feathers can contain parasites, bacteria, and other debris. In today's video, I show a method to remove parasites, sanitize the feather, clean, dry, and shape the feather.
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[@DanielaMellen]

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[@Wolfie2250]

are crow feathers illegal to own because I see a lot of them being sold online and I want to buy some?

[@sarahallegra6239]

Thank you! I just found some lovely crow feathers, but they obviously need some love. This video was exactly what I needed to know!

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bedsidearts]

Same here ty

[@laurenm9203]

If you only do what she does, your feathers will not come or as nice as when you found them. Each little strand they sticks off of the main shaft of the feathers is called a barb. Each barb has tiny hooks on it called barbules the keep it aligned with the one next to it, so that they appear as a solid surface. When you wash the feather, it separates a lot of them. Using the toothbrush probably does as well. When I am done blotting my feathers, I also blow dry them. But I preen them as I do it. I run my fingers over them to encourage those little barbules to reattach. (Preening is the term used when a bird runs its feathers through its beak to groom.)

[@jessicajae7777]

Very helpful thank you

[@dubaiedge]

I clean them while dry, removing debris. That's less likely to damage the barbules, as those expand when water hits them. Pulling debris out while under water can more easily tear barbules, as well. I didn't know about bugs, or lice. The feathers I find are newly dropped within minutes to hours, though I found lice on one, which learned me 😬. I use soft soap then put them in front of a fan. I only clean the ones with debris.

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

They can be put in the freezer first, too, in case of mites or germs or etc.

[@felice_picks_sticks]

"You rub it really gently, like you're petting a cat." 😅 This video just understands me. Thanks.

[@DanielaMellen]

😁

[@susanspisak65]

I have never heard of this law! I’m curious why it would matter if someone claims a found feather? Oh my …. I have never even though if cleaning a found feather!!! They look sooo pretty… I would love to see how to paint one!

[@DanielaMellen]

Good question! The law originated as a way to prevent the overhunting of birds for their plumage, so making owning all feather (and bird parts) illegal was the solution. I imagine "proving" how you obtained a feather was the issue.

[@killiansirishbeer]

I'm sure it also deters people from bothering the birds where they live and nest in order to "find" feathers. Whether you're actually trying to find loose feathers or are poaching them.

[@aiissabeth]

Sadly I have collected a large quantity of Harris Hawk feathers and can't use any of them in accessories.. I am looking at 250k fines for each one I have in my possession. There is a nest they go to every year and I collect them from the field. I would never hurt or hunt a bird of prey. I do have a touch of Indigenous American in me, and I consider them gifts from God. Plus..you can't get blood from a stone😜

[@jonhilderbrand4615]

Years ago, a place I used to run was a path around a large public pond. It was a place where flocks of geese would live, nest, and stop over on ways north and south. To be sure, they left hundreds of feathers all over the place, and I used to collect them for use in art projects. As a card-carrying member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe I can possess them, but the law is still fuzzy, as some folks say they can only be used in a religious context. But, they are private works, so I'm not too concerned with the feds showing up on my doorstep. 😂

[@dubaiedge]

@@aiissabeth I've never heard of an American citizen jailed nor fined for a feather. I keep every last one I find. Mainly turkey. It's absurd someone should be 1/4 native 😂. I can "identify" as Indigenous if I want, why not? I'm not 1/4, but still have it in my tree. I think you should use your beautiful feathers however you want.

[@kaicruson9619]

very helpful and detailed with great explanation and demonstration. i found a beautiful blue jay feather in my backyard from a blue jay im familiar with (we named him mr. jay) and i really wanted to use the feather but make sure it was clean and sterile. awesome, thank you!!!

[@DanielaMellen]

What a find! Blue Jay feathers are just gorgeous!

[@spookithfloof3828]

I hope some day the blue jay in my yard drops me some

[@studiozone2203]

This was awesome and therapeutic to watch. I always wanted to collect bird feathers. Thanks for the video. You have a new subscriber.

[@DanielaMellen]

Thanks and welcome!

[@lewiswaskey1119]

There is also the USFWS Endangered Species Act that that prohibits the interstate commerce (sales across state lines) listed species or their parts.

[@luanahaigood278]

Thank you I have 15 parrots. I have a lot that I wanted to clean and sanitize

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PieRatKings]

Wanting to make keepsake feather bouquets from my girls' feathers, this video was a very helpful starting point

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DollsBoredom]

Thank you I found a beautiful crow feather 🪶 and I wanted too keep it thanks for the video 🖤😊

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad it was helpful.

[@111marcie]

Me too, we found a big black feather and I believe it was a crow in which my son loves. I just left it out but now it's gone

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

​@@111marcieSome birds may take them back to line a nest. 😁

[@barbarabeckman6722]

Yes please to more feather ideas.

[@DanielaMellen]

I'll work on more videos!

[@JzMillinery]

So helpful. Thanks so much. I collected some goose feathers in Iceland and need them clean!

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@diane2941]

Great information! Thanks.

[@juanitaespinoza6619]

Thank you for this valuable information and new skill. I will use information to prepare my feathers.

[@DanielaMellen]

So nice of you

[@russellgarretson7284]

She's wrong .. if the birds native to USA it's highly illegal to have them not just the ones on the endangered list, all Native birds to USA the migratory bird treaty act applies

[@taniabund4675]

​@@DanielaMellenwouldn't Glen 20 which we have here in Australia which is a disinfectant spray and then putting them in the sun kill any bacteria and sanitise it or do you feel it wouldn't be enough??

[@DanielaMellen]

Good question. I am sorry that I don't have an answer for you. I am not familiar with Glen 20, and don't know if it contains something that may cause the feather to deteriorate.

[@LongueDuree]

Greetings from Tennesse! What do you think about using a UV wand disinfectant light to clean the mites and parasites away?

[@DanielaMellen]

Sounds like a great idea!

[@error-cn9hr]

Thank youuuu!

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathgraham9209]

My mom died in July 2023. Few days later while mowing grass, I saw something white, swaying side to side. For the life of me I couldn't figure it out till I got closer . I looked and not a bird in the sky!!! Got off my tractor, picked it up and began crying. I told her I miss her so much. Took the feather in the house and put it aside. Much to my broken heart it is no longer pure white, it is gray. A dirty gray. Is there a way to get it back to its original color...white?

[@DanielaMellen]

So sorry for your loss. I don't know of any way to bring the color back and not deteriorate the feather.

[@kathgraham9209]

@@DanielaMellen Okay Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[@11Ko_neko]

​@@kathgraham9209hope you feel better.

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

Simply washing it in peroxide & alcohol or Dawn may work. Sun can bleach a clean feather, further.

[@SpartanChief2277]

Getting this feather 🪶 for my hat, sombrero since my peacock feather broke

[@marblesoda9]

found a very pretty raven feather and i was wondering if it's alright to do the freezing step after the sterilizing and washing (and then drying)? i'm under a time constraint for a project and unfortunately don't have enough time for freezing, thawing, and freezing again before then

[@DanielaMellen]

I’d give it a try…

[@marblesoda9]

@@DanielaMellen alrighty thank you!

[@ForbiddenSpageti]

Perfect for cleaning chicken feathers for earrings!

[@DanielaMellen]

Have fun!

[@elainet5870]

Great information! 😃

[@DanielaMellen]

Thanks for watching!

[@nevadawoman71]

I’m curious as to why you remove from the freezer after 48 hours and then room temp for 24 and then freeze again? I keep chickens and during the summer months I bathe them with a flea and tick shampoo to remove any mites or lice. I’m thinking that if you add some flea and tick shampoo to the dish detergent that would suffice to kill any parasites so that you wouldn’t have to freeze, thaw and re-freeze?

[@DanielaMellen]

The flea/tick shampoo may work. The freezing method is a way to avoid using chemicals.

[@RawVeganForever]

Would love to learn all the different ways u make feathers❤❤❤

[@DanielaMellen]

I have a few videos.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmWmhXSkYpygiLc and kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX2YcoN5Zshkb5Y and kzbin.info4X6F9vZSePE

[@Garysopinion]

Wonder if mites on new feathers can eat treated feathers?

[@DanielaMellen]

They sure can!

[@JosephineQuintanilla]

Can u use starts that you use for laundry to spray feathers

[@DanielaMellen]

I'm not sure you can use starch to stiffen the feathers. I think it would work.

[@SprtulLuv]

Please tell me what type of container I'd use for cleaning feathers? I'm going to be cleaning my peacock feathers. Which means I need 3 large containers. What do you suggest?

[@DanielaMellen]

Peacock feathers can be rather large and delicate, so if ideally, if I had a small plastic container (the kind that hold scrapbooking paper) that would fit the feathers, I'd use that. If not, I think I would wrap the feathers together, in plastic wrap and then secure it closed (with tape or additional plastic wrap.) Then, to keep them flat and protected, I'd sandwich them between 2 sheets of cardboard (take apart boxes). Good luck. The feathers will be beautiful.

[@FraylyFarmMiniHomestead]

I would love to see how to paint the feathers

[@DanielaMellen]

I'll work on a video for painting feathers! Thanks for the feedback.

[@Soviless99]

I am looking to clean a bunch of goose feathers to use as fletching. Will this remove the natural oils because i am looking to clean them while maintaining their natural waterproofing abilities.

[@DanielaMellen]

The freezer method won't remove the oils.

[@Soviless99]

@@DanielaMellen aye but i also have some putrid blood on many of them. I managed to save these feathers from a bunch of geese that were sitting around waiting to be composted…I might just freeze them then rinse them in warm water of vice versa.

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

​@@Soviless99You don't need the natural oils for fletching. They're typically sterilized - washed or sanitized & then steamed to flatten them before making flights. Quills have a natural curve that will mess up the trajectory. They need to be absolutely straight. There are UK videos by history guys talking about why & online articles about the flight of arrows & in depth material on fletching. Feathers are steamed, straightened flat & cooled, then the flight trimmed from them & the arrow fletched & otherwise it either won't fly well or won't fly straight in controllable aim. We need to wash off any blood or other organic material & kill any germs, mites, etc. Feathers are naturally waterproof unless damaged by their own material & construction.

[@dianaries7613]

Thank you for this! I always collect at the beach and have quite a pile to go through. Do you think the freezing would work if I were to (gently) fill large freezer bags with feathers? I have enough that single layers would take forever.

[@DanielaMellen]

Wow! That's a lot of feathers! Yes, I think you can place them in a bag, maybe leave them in the freezer for a week or so - to make sure the inner feathers also were hit with the cold.

[@Wolfie2250]

I’m pretty sure seagull feathers are illegal to own

[@bosso3rd]

Probably a dumb question so I'm sorry for that, but how do you actually collect them in the nature? Do you use gloves, or some tool? And then carry them home in a closed container...? Thanks!

[@DanielaMellen]

Not a dumb question - at all. I think wearing gloves and placing them in a bag or closed container would be ideal. However, many times I find the feathers rather unexpectedly. If I'm home and find the feather in my yard - I'll do the unthinkable, and pick it up, place it outside in a sheltered place, stop what I'm doing and get a small plastic bag to start disenfecting it. Then, I wash my hands 2-3 times. Other times, if I'm wearing gloves in the garden, I'll set the feather aside, and retrieve a bag when I'm ready to call it a day. If I'm out on a nature walk, I'll usually bring a small paper bag with me to collect my treasures. And I again, usually just pick it up, gingerly, and place it in the bag.

[@bosso3rd]

@@DanielaMellen thank you so much for your advice, truly appreciated!!!

[@gh0stpuppi333]

Or if you’re me, you just pull over, pluck em with your bare hands and stick them in a grocery bag… because I’m a psycho

[@asha-kb9yh]

I've no alcohol can using the soapy water etc. Be sufficient? Thanks

[@DanielaMellen]

You need something to kill the bacteria/parasites. I am not confident that the soapy water will do that.

[@asha-kb9yh]

@@DanielaMellen Thanks! I remembered I had some white distilled vinegar! Hopefully that will help! Many thanks

[@Artchick1972]

If it’s on my property I will keep it

[@staciegreer9568]

I would love to see your techniques please

[@DanielaMellen]

I have a on using feathers or alternative feathers kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn6sk2yIbLZrodE

[@HYEpower]

Something obliterated a blue Jay in my yard and yanked all the long feathers out... now I'm on this video to c,Ean them

[@ZEN-gi5tz]

What if i had it fressing for a week 🤣 do i have to re freeze it. Accidentally left mine in and forgot it

[@DanielaMellen]

I have done that too! I still go through the thaw and refreeze, but it's up to you. 😊

[@RawVeganForever]

Hello,I found a feather. I believe a goose feather. I put it in a zip lock bag for about 20 days & have had it out for 4 days. Have screwed this up? What should I do?

[@DanielaMellen]

Nothing to worry about.... just reseal it back in the bag and put in the freezer for another 24-48 hours. Then it should be good to use.

[@JosephineQuintanilla]

Can u wash them I have no frezzer

[@DanielaMellen]

You can wash them, but they have to be cleaned with very hot water and detergent.

[@jac7198]

okay but what if you dont have freezer

[@Truth-v5m]

How would you do this with down feathers?

[@DanielaMellen]

Sorry, I can't help with that.

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

They need a fluffer to dry them. People make one from two circles cut of wood, mesh wrapped around to form a cylinder, & some way of putting that with dowels attached to the wood ends & a handle to rotate it to air dry & fluff them. Don't put them in the dryer on cool even in a lingerie bag! That gets awful results & leaves masses of lint that's lighter than fabric lint & pops back up over & over bc it takes them apart. Alternatively you can use a hair dryer on cool individually. Look up fluffing down to dry bc someone might have come up with another way.... Ask the library to get through interlibrary loan W. Ben Hunt "Indian Crafts and Lore" & instructions to build the fluffer are in there. It's available from second hand bookstores online too.

[@CheckingYourRealityForYou]

Why would dish soap and water not suffice?

[@DanielaMellen]

The thought behind "freezing" the feathers is that it kills parasites, that the soap may leave behind.

[@russellgarretson7284]

The feathers do not have to be on the endangered list if the bird is native to USA this law applies . All native bird feathers, parts are highly illegal to have with special entrest on raptors

[@kylegonzalez5842]

You don’t know what your talking about, it apples to birds of prey migratory birds and lastly eagles are super protected. Many native birds I collect the feathers

[@moocha4030]

@@kylegonzalez5842 All native birds in the US are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Its illegal to take any part of any native bird.

[@cherigriffith724]

If there is a hunting season for the bird you're allowed to collect the feathers

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

It's not illegal to pick up every kind of feathers. It's illegal to "take" them **by killing them**, except for licensed hunting of certain species in legal hunting season, & it's illegal to possess at all any feather from birds on the protected species list: Eagles, most Owls, most Hawks & raptors, Swans, Egrets, Herons, anything once overhunted for plumes, etc. Look up the list & check found feathers with photos online from reliable sources of in doubt. But you can find a goose or seagull or duck or turkey etc, most songbird, or any other dropped molted random feathers that aren't on the forbidden list which can be found on the US Fish & Wildlife, state fish & game, & Dept of the Interior websites. AND that's a US law. Other countries vary. People should check it. Fines are hefty & it can include jail time in more than one place. Turkey feathers can be used in place of Eagle. They're dyed at the tip, & some makers are expert. Look at photos carefully & read reviews but they're for sale in Etsy etc. Keep the receipt or if making, photos of the process, to simplify matters if unexpectedly asked.

[@YipYip-z5r]

After I washed mine they don’t ever look good again. I only wash mine if they have stuff on them. I didn’t think they have cooties 😂

[@BoulevardTrash99]

If we identify as native Americans can we own eagle feathers? Asking for friends

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

No. Enrolled members have to apply to a special gov't department to own an Eagle feather. Before that law they were nearly wiped out just to sell feathers so the fines are hefty, & though not as endangered now are still at risk & forever protected. People would claim to have found the feather or a dead bird, & have killed the bird. They sacred so we're fine with this. & Bc feathers are fragile - they get ragged & that's birds molt & grow new ones - we don't use real Eagle feathers anymore for regalia, Eagle staffs at powwow, etc. Spiritual leaders generally keep theirs only for ceremony. For powwow regalia, prayer feathers, smudge feathers, decorations etc we Natives actually use dyed Turkey feathers or goose or duck quills. Those are legal, readily available & inexpensive. Our own Native craft supplies sell them. Some are dyed better than others, look closely. Now, we can't all wear headdresses. Those have to be earned by service to the community. Hereditary chiefs can inherit one with the role so they'll live up to the role 😉😁 ya know? We do use the Turkey feathers as prayer feathers or for dance bustles, etc, for daily use. We have respect for Turkey. It's not a lesser feather. Each bird has a meaning, dyed to represent Eagle though, it carries that meaning. We usually refer to those as Eagle feathers, though we all know most for dance use are Turkey. Those dancers get energetic, & regalia has to be packed, unpacked, carried around. It's fragile. We don't use that rarer feather, let alone lots of them. & We may cross state lines or the US - Canada border. We keep the receipt or proof but on close inspection authorities can tell. Turkeys are raised in masses & we don't believe in wasting anything, especially if it was hunted, we respect its spirit, we use everything in some way. It respects those Turkeys. It eases in our hearts that raising situation too. So. You can do what we actually do. (You'll get a headdress snatched off your head or reported as violating the Indian Arts & Crafts Act if you sell non-Native made "Native" items.) But you can have the same ones we really use. & Again we hold no stigma for Turkeys. We wouldn't use those if so. You can clean & dye a white quill from a legal source (practice on pigeon dropped feathers & take photos of the process & save them off the device too - to always have. Though experts can seize & DNA test them, it's simpler.) or buy them in Native craft stores in areas with a large Native population or online. Make sure photo is of the feather you're buying & Natives left good reviews. Quality varies. Some are especially well done, bald or golden Eagle. But look up the meaning in Native sources. They're not Halloween costume things. That just looks silly & it can get targeted ... We are NOT all spiritual, some of us are kinda traumatized still bc of ongoing things like #MMIW so women should NEVER dress as Natives. I'm not kidding. It's been unsafe in multiple areas, assaults. It happens 10x more than to any other demographic & there are sick predatory guys who think it's equal to asking for it. That type is not as rare as you think, & it doesn't make the mainstream news. We report it to each other & some areas even have Bear Patrol to combat it. Non-Native women tend not to expect that. But I can't guarantee, idk where you are, that a guy won't have problems dressing up either. It depends on the level of racism people there have experienced & you may not have heard bc again it's not covered in news, like they think it'll increase or it's by percentage of population they go by who can relate or something. So if in doubt click the hashtags. #WhyWeWearRed #NoMoreStolenSisters #MMIWG #ProjectRedDress bc articles on why they're banned at music festivals did not say violence is an issue bc they didn't want the repercussions. But assaults are why, not just respect or "offended" people. & I think they should have made it known. It isn't Natives assaulting them but twisted guys with a fantasy, & we are used to watching out for them, always aware. Others aren't used to that. I recommend decor only or as prayer feathers or if you're Celtic, Norse, of a pagan or animist belief, those uses.

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

If you're a descendant, you don't just "identify as," you're a relative. You're Native. But not legally. For legal matters we need a CDIB or tribal enrollment ID from a fed rec tribe. We can't just look full blood & not be asked for the certificate that goes with legal ownership of an Eagle feather. We have to turn in found ones, not keep them. We may have treaty rights for fishing or hunting, depending on tribe. We can only have feathers legally from fully documented historical items presented at the time of the law being enacted, or obtaining them from the DOI, a special dept connected to US Fish & Wildlife. Otherwise people would just make up a story. & They did. & Eagles became nearly extinct. We don't want that returning. Eagles are cool. But in your personal life...You can be Native AND something. All our ancestors are our ancestors & gave us life & walk with us in spirit. Not all tribes have fed rec. Not everyone who qualifies by blood quantum (which is genocidal ideation anyway, originally meant to rush us to, legally, non-existence) is enrolled. Many kids were stolen from culture in various ways, adults removed from community in urban relocation programs, people disenrolled by corrupt councils bc they saw through it, or bc of per cap in just a few tribes, & a recent high up official tried to take away fed rec from a first contact well documented tribe, Mashpee Wampanoags, over a casino - business competition 🙄 just bc they let cousins & neighbors dance, as is traditional, in the last day of powwow at the end bc it's prayer for others too! Many tribes are state rec. Canada recognizes Métis who are mixed with French trappers way back but have lived by their Native original matriarchs ways since. Many many people are of intermarriage, especially back east, & our spirit might not match our mitochondrial DNA affect on appearance. If you're Native you're Native. THAT is the traditional spiritual belief. There's worry online about pretendians... Yeah. People respect their own ancestors who led to them having life, & their own ancestral traditions. Well that includes people of mixed ancestry. Look up the traditions of your tribe or language group & of the land you're on. Learn your culture. Your spirit probably needs it to feel truly whole. & You have the right to practice your beliefs. Can't necessarily bring it up to everybody bc understanding varies by area. Some people have a more recent history of genocide or ongoing constant harassment or worse from racists who still though may want Native items, or people lying to condone harmful practices as if of culture. So learn culture to not get flack bc it goes viral & bc I believe you, bc I know just how much intermarriage went on. Some tribes were related to all survivors at some point. Mixed people then are a living proof of survival! & Why those people's aren't extinct. Now I think that's sacred. (You know our meaning is not the Latin root church equivalent but deeper, right? Nature is sacred, *is of Spirit, Creator, all life is .... plus, animism, that tree over there too, so certainly you too.) We inherit instincts, beliefs, ways of thinking we may not have been taught, that are just naturally within us. We need to learn more. But often the Native ways & thinking are innate, born in us, & no one has the right to deny you your own spirit. But yeah, we really do actually use Turkey feathers dyed & most people buy them rather than dying their own. I'm not snowing you. But 😂 there are a lot of Natives who might be all, wtf, shhhh! It's not that big a secret. They're on Etsy ffs.

[@solsticesun5626]

Indigenous people can collect any feather they wish without penalty...

[@damacaroniboy9720]

as they should. they took great care of their country until your ancestors came and destroyed the whole country.

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

Nope. We cannot legally do so in US or Canada. If a bird is on the protected list, we have to have documented enrollment in a federally recognized tribe - a CDIB card or tribal enrollment ID - & apply to the Dept of the Interior to see if they'll grant it, & the number available are highly limited. A Native has to have a certificate for any Eagle, Owl, or various other feathers including some plumes. The fine otherwise is hefty & there can be jail time involved too. We say that's an Eagle staff at powwow & Eagle feather bustles bc they symbolize the same. They're usually dyed tip Turkey feathers though. Bc Eagle feathers are so protected bc they nearly became extinct & bc we care about that & bc birds molt bc feathers are fragile, we're not using actual Eagle feathers for regalia & daily use. We use others representing the same meaning instead bc we can't just replace a whole dance bustle if it gets ragged from packing & unpacking & energetic dances the guys do. We use dyed tip Turkey feathers for prayer feathers, fans, smudging, decorative uses, etc. Even historical items with genuine Eagle feathers have to be documented or clearly antique. But those are all documented. Turkey isn't less than. All beings are sacred & it honors Turkey bc of the mass raising etc & we believe traditionally in using all parts of what is "taken," respecting their spirit. So, this what we do. & The rest of the Turkey feathers end up ground & returned to the earth to help in agriculture. No treaty rights grant us the right to disrespect protected species. The federal law grants us only the right to apply & if granted we must keep that certificate handy.

[@366nina]

This law doesn’t make sense! You found it, you didn’t kill the animal! I found a dead blue jay in my backyard seem like it die no long ago. N I clip some of the feathers, I couldn’t resist not having some of those of feathers! 😳 obviously my kids were how dare you! 😮 n I said how dare you eat meat etc… that’s abuse!! N that’s the reason I don’t eat meat, after that judgment went very quickly down! 🥱 after that buried the bird. Are blue jays and in danger bird?

[@DanielaMellen]

I'm not sure if Blue Jays are endangered, but I agree that their feathers are beautiful!

[@WildWoodsGirl65]

There's an official list online - US Fish & Wildlife, Dept of Interior & state fish & game websites all have it or a link to it. Search it. You can keep blue jay feathers for personal use. If it helps with the kids, it's respectful to the bird to value their spirit by respecting their feathers & caring for them. Birds molt, some once, most twice a year bc feathers get ragged otherwise & make flight & insulation less efficient. They shed after growing new ones. Basically birds change their clothes. They use them too, line nests, play with them in the air, etc. At some point in history all of us had ancestors who were animists in belief, who found them sacred & a way of connecting our spirits to gain their wisdom & to respect all living things. It's still the case in some cultures. There are quite a lot of northern European people - countries long since converted - who still have many people that still think this way, bc nature is creation, & all creation is to be held sacred. When we're feeling closer to wildlife we tend to protect them and their habitats better. If people stopped loving feathers it might be bad for the birds. & As long it's finding dropped feathers or respecting one who has passed, it does no harm. Someone may not have explained to them... Some people are very afraid of germs etc, won't admit it, & just say it's forbidden. They may have heard that, a rule without details on why. But cultures that find the birds & all beings sacred, keep feathers specifically out of respect.

[@donnas8408]

How do you clean gigantic angel wings feathers?

[@DanielaMellen]

Just to double check, you mean the decorations or costume like wings? I would think that an aerosol air spray, the kind used on keyboards to blow away dust, would be your best way to clean those. They can't be laundered, so delicate care should be taken. Perhaps a dry cleaner could help, too.

[@donnas8408]

@@DanielaMellen is Lysol ok?

[@DanielaMellen]

@@donnas8408 I wouldn't use LYSOL or any liquid spray - just the spray air, you want to "dust" the angel feathers.

[@Test7017]

Theye all look like turkey feathers to me😅