Collecting duck down during molt

[N Good]

I have 6 silver appleyard ducks, two drakes and four hens. They are around 9 weeks old and are going through a molt that looks like they're losing all their down feathers across the yard.
I'm wondering if I can collect these feathers and use them for stuffing a pillow.
Is there anything I need to worry about? Will they not be as high of a quality or not last as long because they are "old"? The feathers are only a few weeks old...but they've been laying on the ground a few days.
Any special considerations for cleaning them?

Thanks!

 

[Stipenvlerk]

I can imagine you have to collect and clean them somehow.

this is something I found about regulations ..
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It should be noted, however, that European countries are permitted to harvest down and feather from live birds, but only during molting season under clearly defined legal stipulations. Molting—or moulting—is the period of time in which a bird naturally changes its feathers. Molting is a natural, but complex, process because the birds must retain some of their feathers to keep warm; when a new generation of feathers has matured, the old ones are shed. The molting of geese allows for down and feathers to be gathered after they have fallen off the geese. During molting season, geese can also be gently brushed or combed to remove loose down and feathers. This harvesting process is governed by a number of provisions, including the European Convention for the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes.
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you could try to search for harvesting duck down or something. hope you find the information you need