Furs and Feathers

[messybeast]

Being a newbie tyer and poster please be gentle with me
Do furs and feathers have a use by date? By that I mean do they degrade through age or become brittle or any other description for them being useless?

I look forward to your responses.

[salmoman]

I'm no expert but so long as you keep them dry and protect them from little nasties they'll last for .................................long

I've got stuff from over 20 years ago and it's still perfect.

[wingman]

Although not directly related to your query you might find this link useful for selecting and buying feathers, it's american related but it's basically the same terminology as over here. You could also try doing a search on here useing the search function. Good luck.

Understanding Feathers

[boorod]

HIas salmoman says if you keep them dry and beasty free they will be ok, ive got feathers that are not available anymore and are still in perfect condition. B

[flytire]

i have hackle capes that are about 25 years old and other than the skin drying out a bit, the hackles are fine to use.

[flytier07]

I still use Wet Fly Hen and Soft Cock saddles I bought in 1972 and they're still in A-1 condition! I think it's all to do with how well you look after and store them-and keep them away from moths

[busbiegaz]

do what i do , i food bag every cape av got and that way there stay fresh

[bbj]

Originally Posted by busbiegaz

do what i do , i food bag every cape av got and that way there stay fresh

I put all my capes in individual plastic bags - the resealable food type ones. I also use these for loose feathers (though not for each individual feather you understand)

Most of my furs and hairs are stored in tupperware tubs (buy your own - don't pinch the wife's!).