Feathers need to be sanitized and parasite free before bringing them indoors or before using in craft projects. There are a variety of methods to use, and I have included two methods. The main instructions are for manual cleaning, intended to use if you are only doing a few feathers at a time. At the end of the article I include instructions for an automated version if you are doing a large quantity at a time.
What you Need:
Feathers (assorted sizes, colors including down feathers)
Sanitizer (any that you currently use that does not contain bleach)
Cleaning Solution (Dawn Antibacterial liquid dishwashing soap takes care of cleaning and sanitizing)
Moth Balls (parasite killer-Optional)
Peroxide-Rubbing Alcohol solution (optional-1:1 ratio)
Sealable container (plastic zip bag, plastic freezer container, mason jar)
Paper Towels (or any disposable towels)
Hair Dryer
Instructions:
Kill the bugs:
The easiest way to kill any possible parasites is to use moth balls and a tight sealing container. Moth balls can be purchased at the dollar store or in hardware sections or laundry sections of most stores. Place a few mothballs into a sealable container, place a few feathers into the container, then seal tight for at least 24 hours. (Be sure to dispose of the moth balls in a sealed container away from all pets and children).
Sanitize:
Use a non-bleaching formula to sanitize the feathers. One method is a mixture of Peroxide and Rubbing Alcohol. Ratio of 1:1 should work fine. Do not add water, you want the formula to be full strength. Lysol or Ammonia can be used, or you can use an earth friendly sanitizer such as *Simple Green*. *Dawn Ultra Antibacterial* dishwashing liquid will not only sanitize but also clean the feathers of any dirt or residue. Regardless of the sanitizer you use, pour into a container and swish gently to allow the sanitizer to reach all parts of the feather.
Cleaning:
Squirt a bit of Dawn Antibacterial dishwashing liquid into a container of warm water. Stir to mix thoroughly. Dip the feathers into the solution and swish gently. If using the Dawn antibacterial product, you can eliminate the previous step for sanitizing. This method will clean and sanitize without need for an additional sanitizer. Gently shake the feathers to remove any excess liquid, then rinse in clean warm water.
Drying:
Place the feathers on several thicknesses of paper towel to try. A hand held hair dryer will help to fluff the feathers to retain their shape. Use the low, warm setting on your hair dryer. Make sure the feathers are thoroughly dry.
Dying Feathers:
I have found that the easiest way to dye feathers is to use a spray fabric dye. Protect your surface or spray into a box. Coat all sides with the spray and either use a hand-held hair dryer or hang by the quill to air dry. There are many colors of dye available at the local craft store or available online.
Crafting:
The feathers are now ready to use for any or all of your feather crafts.
If you have a favorite chicken, or a chicken with your favorite coloring and pattern, you can frame the feathers and perhaps a photo of that chicken, to display along with your collection of Hen and Rooster motifs. Dream catchers, Clear glass ornaments or globes, and even apothecary jars are possible projects for displaying feathers. I have even used down feathers hot glued to pumpkins, used them to adorn small Nick knacks, and used them as tail feathers for a chicken planter full of succulents.
Caution: All feathers have the potential to carry parasites, parasite eggs, and bacteria that can be harmful. Choose the cleanest feathers if you are collecting in the outdoors. It is best to do the sanitizing and cleaning outdoors to prevent bringing pathogens indoors to your living environment. Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Make sure if children are helping collect the feathers that they are instructed to wash their hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
Tip from Bro: If you are doing a lot of feathers at one time, fill a good quality pillow case or tight weave laundry bag, about half full of feathers (down feathers and primaries work well). secure the open end with safety pins or tight knot. Toss into the washing machine with liquid anti-bacterial laundry detergent and fill the washer tub with water. Allow the washer to go through it's cycle. After it spins dry, toss the pillowcase into the dryer on *air* setting to dry and fluff the feathers. This cleans, disinfects, dries and fluffs all in one session.
Note: If you are only doing a few feathers, follow the procedures from the instructions at the top.
For instructions to make the Hens n Chicks Basket, refer to the link:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/earth-friendly-projects/hens-n-chicks-chicken-basket
For instructions to make a bouquet of feathers, refer to the link:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/earth-friendly-projects/feather-bouquet
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