Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Shaneisneato on September 25, 2014, 06:11:04 pm

Title: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: Shaneisneato on September 25, 2014, 06:11:04 pm

I've got a couple old hens I am slaughtering soon, was wondering if anyone had ever used chicken feathers for self made arrows?

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: Pat B on September 25, 2014, 06:12:38 pm

Take the largest wing feathers, anything 4" or more. You can fletch arrows with them.

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: Shaneisneato on September 25, 2014, 06:52:27 pm

Sounds good! Should I store them in the freezer to keep mites/bugs from them until I'm ready to use them?

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: Danzn Bar on September 25, 2014, 06:56:42 pm

I would just put them in a gallon zip lock bag and spray a little bug killer in the bag.  Should keep for a good while.  :) ;)
DBar

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: Pat B on September 25, 2014, 08:14:28 pm

If you store them in the freezer it should kill off the mites, etc. without using poison.

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: Buck67 on September 26, 2014, 08:10:19 am

You can store them in a ziplock bag with a few mothballs.  That way your wife won't complain about the freezer being full of feathers.  If you keep them in a bag with mothballs for 2 months all the living critters and their larvae will be dead.

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: Dharma on September 26, 2014, 11:59:11 am

Put a little flat cedar and juniper tips in the bag, too. Feather mites can't stand it.

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: Shaneisneato on September 26, 2014, 02:00:48 pm

I'll probably end up sticking them in the chest freezer. I've got a 3 year old and he likes feathers. Rather not spray poison on something he might get into. 

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: JW_Halverson on September 26, 2014, 10:05:17 pm

I can't imagine choosing to use toxic chemicals where I can use simpler solutions.  Throw a 3 yr old child in the mix and the deal is sealed!

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: wildman on September 26, 2014, 11:22:22 pm

Good old 20 mule Borax will de bug yard bird feathers. I store my turkey fletching in gallon zip lock bags just shake a lil borax in only hurts the bugs , and may suds you fletching in the rain.

Title: Re: Chicken Feathers for Arrows
Post by: Danzn Bar on September 27, 2014, 07:29:25 am

OK Guys......You have convinced me, I'll not use bug spray any more.......  :-[
Thanks
DBar