what do you do with all the feathers?

[jomercer]

They break down in no time in a properly managed compost pile. And even in a passive pile (like mine) it doesn't take long for them to disintegrate.

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

Compost pile...break down pretty quick for me if I can keep it damp enough...we are very dry.

 

[damselfish]

I am laughing hysterically with the vision of someone stuffing a comforter into their freezer...thanks, ON!

Anyway, on topic, we don't end up with too many feathers in the coop because of free ranging. Any that get scooped up with the poop scooping each day go into the compost pile, but I don't worry about every last one. They do seem to disappear quickly in the yard, but whether they are being eaten, carried off or decomposing I have no idea.

 

[woodmort]

Yeah, they'll break down in the composter as long as they don't get too matted. Work them in and they make ideal fertilizer.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
I grew up in Vermont, and I remember that smell! Lovely. I remember my mom would hang the laundry up outside even in the winter (which wasn't so lovely, though) and when you'd go to bring the towels back inside, they'd be frozen stiff as a board.

 

[Frecs]

Quote:
Wild birds might like them for their nests. I was blessed to live with a cattle dog for 13 years and when she molted I'd brush her outside. The wild birds went NUTS! They would hide in a nearby tree and dive bomb the balls of fluff. You may find them just as interested in your chickens' feathers if you can put them in a net bag where they can help themselves....

 

[dragonlair]

Even in the winter I dry my clothes outside. Sure, they freeze solid but still dry in a coupl eof days. Frozen clothes are soooo soft, even softer than what comes out of the dryer. And the smell..........fresh crisp winter air with a touch of wood smoke. Yummy!