does anyone know how to skin a bird & save the feathers? Updated any feather producers out there ?

[jdywntr]

Here is a pic of a muscovy mix that I skinned. I slit the throat then used a scalpel (thanks ebay) to cut a small hole in the breast side then just sliced connective tissue. I didn't spread out the hide (the breast side is tucked under) when I took the pic. I cut off the first wing joint though. It was pretty easy, by # 3 it took me ~ 15 minutes.

 

[java girl 2]

Java Girl - What kind of birds do you have? You could list here.....

OK, let me see, I have full size black javas, full size mottle javas, full size buff orpingtons, full size salmon faverolles, bantam splash cochins and I hope to get full size ones as well this year. bourbon red turkeys and narragansett turkeys.

 

[java girl 2]

Its all good. Maybe we should start a thread for feather producers? I can't be the only one whos ever done it! There IS a market.

you can do it right here if you like, I wood love to see that!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Marty1876]

Here is a pic of a muscovy mix that I skinned. I slit the throat then used a scalpel (thanks ebay) to cut a small hole in the breast side then just sliced connective tissue. I didn't spread out the hide (the breast side is tucked under) when I took the pic. I cut off the first wing joint though. It was pretty easy, by # 3 it took me ~ 15 minutes.

Wow, that looks good! What do you do with yours??

 

[Marty1876]

Hi everyone

I think in many ways this HAS become the feather producers sight, if only be accident. I don't know of any other threads, but we could run a search of the site, and invite them over if we find them. I only know because my mom sells some of her feathers. She uses particular breads for particular patterns. she uses guinea, duck, tukey, pheasant, and guinea as far as I know. She really loves birds.

Shes also an artist, so I think thats where it got started. She also sells feathers to my Aunt who makes hair pieces (white for weddings and colors for clips, combs, and tiaras. She also uses breast feathers to cut into wide strips that are folded and sewn and used on dress hems. Some get colored later.

 

[naillikwj82]

Look at the following link:

http://globalflyfisher.com/tiebetter/chickens/

It should help.
j

 

[dbcooper02]

I've been quietly heading down this road myself. Working with exhibition Barred Rocks in both standard and bantam. I also have exhibition White Rocks and Brown Leghorns. Working on a project similar to the Lemon Cuckoo Orpington too. When I first got interested in the feather thing I looked on eBay and saw where a Barred Rock quarter saddle had just sold for $200. Imagine that $800 from one rooster not counting the hackle feathers and still get to have coq au vin for dinner. Is this a great country or what? Obviously that was an exceptional price, but still...
So, I dumped all my hatchery birds and made connections with the local breeder/exhibitors and am in the process of raising a new flock. I have no idea how long the hair extension fad might last, but I figure fishermen will be needing fly tying material long after I'm gone.

 

[Oregon Blues]

How do you mail feathers so that they don't get damaged in shipping?

 

[cutechick2010]

Marty, does the hot water not damage the feathers? I have plucked birds before but have never tried saving the feathers afterwards. What would be the best way to dry them?

Hi Java Girl -

When I save feathers, I actually take them off the bird before I skin it. Once the skin shrinks, your gonna tear it and mess up and bend feathers.

If you know how, dip the birds in very hot (not quite boiling water-after they are dead, of course), then lay it down in fornt of you. Use one hand to hold the fowl still, and the other to gently remove one at a time the most perfect large feathers, and perfect little.