Ever wonder where all those feathers go?

[Year of the Rooster]

Here's my answer:

Found this bird nest at the base of a big oak tree as you can see. I was amazed to find so many of my birds' feathers in there. I've seen a couple sparrows darting around and I actually saw some pick up some feathers, but I didn't know they got THIS many! I found at least 1 feather from each kind of chicken (RIR, EE, BA, BR, Silkie, and Sebright). I felt inside of the cavity and it was SO SOFT! I bet the chicks that lived in it were very pleased!

 

[gocrow77]

That is SO COOL! Thanks for sharing it with us.....

 

[chickenzoo]

I use to have birds around here that would pluck my dogs hair right off her when she was shedding! There were big tuffs of white in all the trees from them using it in their nests.....

 

[al6517]

recycling feathers really is for the birds LOL.

AL

 

[Marie66]

What a great picture! I love finding bird's nests.

I wonder if anyone collects their chicken feathers to make flies? or to sell them to people that make their own flies?

i'm going to be teaching myself how to make them (flies), don't have to worry about finding materials anymore!!

 

[Year of the Rooster]

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My neighbor used to make flies and we offered her to take any feathers she'd like! She loves our chickens! And with all the different colors (especially the EE) I'd bet she could make some really pretty ones.

 

[featheredfriendlover]

that has happened to me. i have some barn swallows that like to pick the feathers up and take them to their nest. theres feathers sticking out all around the rim of the nest... its pretty cool to see them pick them up the drop them in mid flight then go after them again.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

They love horse hair too. There is horses hair in just about every nest in our yard.

My papa used to make his own flies and lures with feathers and paint. He has passed now but he fished every single day unless it was storming for as long as I could remember.

We collect and sell our macaw feathers for fly fishing ties, peyote fans, and other crafts.

 

[Mrs. Glassman]

That is SO neat!

I am a bird fan & love to watch them feed, & build nests. I fill feeders & waters year 'round, and plant bird-friendly shrubs & flowers.

I also give them any yarn waste from my crochet projects by hanging the strands on my fence & off tree branches. It's interesting that they will actually choose the more neutral colors (like hunter green, black, & tan) first, then pick other more vibrant colors (like red or orange) last.

We also put hair from haircuts out for them to take.

I have a family of Cardinals that come back year after year & eventually show up with young offspring in tow to visit the feeders.

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

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