When you skin a duck, do the feathers stay waterproof?

[JacinLarkwell]

So I'm actually curious about all "waterproof" animals when it comes to pelts, but the duck was the closest I could think of that's relatable on here.

I k ow it's an oil responsible for it, but when it's just a skin and feathers, would the oil still work? Or would it wash off the first time it gets wet?

I know skinning a duck is done when processing sometimes because of the ease, so I imagine there's someone who has done this and figured it out by accident

 

[humblehillsfarm]

So I'm actually curious about all "waterproof" animals when it comes to pelts, but the duck was the closest I could think of that's relatable on here.

I k ow it's an oil responsible for it, but when it's just a skin, would the oil still work? Or would it wash off the first time it gets wet?

I would assume since a duck has to reapply their oils, eventually the feathers would lose their waterproofing.

I know that when buying down coats and down sleeping bags, they are notorious for losing all of their insulation abilities after they get wet.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I would assume since a duck has to reapply their oils, eventually the feathers would lose their waterproofing.

I know that when buying down coats and down sleeping bags, they are notorious for losing all of their insulation abilities after they get wet.

Huh, okay. Thanks! ☺

 

[sourland]

I would assume since a duck has to reapply their oils, eventually the feathers would lose their waterproofing.

Seems logical to me.

 

[EverythingDucks]

No, the duck would have to rub the oil from their oil glands over their feathers to keep them water proof. Though the outer feathers are more sleek rather than fluffy like many breeds of chicken, it is only water proof because of this oil.