Using Molted Feathers

[lovemy6hens]

I would like to use the molted feathers from our hens to make a pillow. Should the feathers be cleaned somehow before putting them in a pillow? They were clean when they fell out, but will the natural oils begin to smell if they're put directly into a pillow?

 

[wyoDreamer]

Check this site out:
http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-feathers/
I like the dry clean method, very similar to what I do. For general dusting, I put my dreamcatcher in a big plastic bag with ordinary salt and shake it until the salt knocks all the dust off.

“Dry” Cleaning Method

You Will Need:

• Corn meal
• White flour
• Powdered borax
• Bag

Steps to Clean the Feathers:

1. Fill a bag with ½ cup flour, one cup corn meal, and three tablespoons borax.
2. Place the feathers in the bag.
3. Close the bag and shake the feathers around in the powdery mix.
4. Once the feathers are clean, remove them.
5. Shake the feathers to remove any excess powder.

 

[lovemy6hens]

Thank you so much, wyoDreamer! I'm looking forward to the possibilities.

 

[lovemy6hens]

Even with 11 hens molting, I still don't have enough feathers for a pillow. I've decided to make a feather mask instead and probably a fascinator. Would cleaning the feathers for those purposes differ from the above method?

 

[lovemy6hens]

I experimented a little and found what works for the fluffly feathers:
Warm water with a little liquid Cetaphil cleanser, agitate, rinse in warm water, individually smoothing each feather downward and air dry on paper towels. Hold by bottom of feather and gently shake to fluff when completely dry.
How do I clean the large feathers? I can't get it right.

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

When I clean feathers I always wash each feather individually with a small amount of dawn and then rinse them off. I then hang them and dry each individual feather with a blow dryer. They come out gorgeous and do not lose their shape this way.

 

[lovemy6hens]

Thank you very much, @sunny & the 5 egg layers! I will try that too.

 

[Copper Creek]

I have a soft shell and put all the feathers straight in there. Then put a pillowcase on. The shell seems to mask any fowl smells and keeps all the feather in. Do make sure the feathers are dry, though. It is very comfy. Also, if you don't have enough feathers to fill it, try cotton or some soft material that is small. I hope this makes sense.

 

[lovemy6hens]

Yes, it makes sense. Thank you! Using another soft material in addition to the feathers is perfect.