Duck/hens/cock/geese feathers

[keithnu]

Well got all my fly tying gear yesterday. really enjoying tying so far. but yet to try any of my flies yet. looking forward to it.

My parent have 7 hens, 4 ducks, 6 geese, 2 cocks, 1 lion hair rabbit, and three dogs.
Ive been messing with some of the feather i found on the ground but i cant do anything with them.i tried tying a hackle but it was teribble compared to the feathers i bought.

My question is can i use anything from these pets for fly tying?

Cheers,
Keith

[arkle]

Once they're properly cleaned AND microwaved, no reason why not.

[seanie]

You would be surprised how inventive you become tying flies, You actually look at everyday things and think to yourself " now what can I tie using that"

[keithnu]

Originally Posted by arkle

Once they're properly cleaned AND microwaved, no reason why not.

Hey arkle, how do i clean them and what do i do with the microwave.

there is loads of small feathers, really really fluffy for about half the feather. could these be used for dubbing?

does anyone use the bottom part of the fluffy feather that you tear away for tying hackle. can you use that as dubbing?

[arkle]

If necessary, wash them in a mild detergent & dry thoroughly with a hair dryer with the feathers inside a pair of old tights.

Put them into a nearly sealed plastic zip bag & give them 5 seconds or so on max. that will kill any potential infestation & save the rest of your materials from being eaten.

[danielp]

you can use the fluffy stuff at the bottom as tails and wings on mini-lures, I often use the fluff from the olive partidge feathers i have to tie up mini damsels (size 14) they seem to work really well when the fish are shying off the larger flies.

Dan

[coasty]

Personally I would recomend a three bird roast with perhaps a rabbit pie....

[maharg]

Originally Posted by coasty

Personally I would recomend a three bird roast with perhaps a rabbit pie....

What about the dogs?
Do they get a repreave?????

[coasty]

Originally Posted by maharg

What about the dogs?
Do they get a repreave?????

Blimey I am no savage .....mmmm what breed is it?

[seanie]

They had better not be Sausage Dogs