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Wow, its been a long time since I’ve been around here… But in my travels, I have come across a question to ask! For a while now I’ve been collecting naturally shed feathers and haven’t been too worried about the germs that might come along with them. But now I found a complete raven skeleton and its feathers and wanted to clean it and use it. But the sanitary thing comes to mind here. Is there a way to disinfect it without damaging it? I was entertaining the idea of just boiling it all but wondered if it would ruin the shapes of the feathers. Thanks!
I wouldn’t boil it: the bones will separate from each other and the feathers will lose their oil, making them look pretty awful. Regarding possible health hazards from a raven: there is always the chance it died of West Nile Virus, but I don’t know if that virus is sturdy enough to last very long in the environment. It’s transitted by mosquitoes, so that usually means that it’s not very durable outside a (live) host.
Don’t take my word on this because I have no idea, I’m just throwing it out there. Does anyone think that steam blasting it (perhaps with an iron) would kill the germs without ruining the remains?
I just did a quick internet search out of curiosity and there’s a wealth of info available.
Although it does seem that feathers and bone cannot be cleaned by the same method.
These two pages were interesting:
This first one is about cleaning and preserving bones: http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/natresources/az1144.pdf
This one’s about feathers: http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-feathers/
I just did a quick internet search out of curiosity and there’s a wealth of info available.
Although it does seem that feathers and bone cannot be cleaned by the same method.
These two pages were interesting:
This first one is about cleaning and preserving bones: http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/natresources/az1144.pdf
This one’s about feathers: http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-feathers/
I’ve heard of the borax method–it seems to be pretty standard. I freeze mine for a month or two to kill mites and stuff that may be on them too, if you’re worried about that. To avoid damaging them in the freezer I fold them in a few layers of tissue paper, then put that in a freezer bag with as little air as possible. I’ve had many of my display feathers for years, and no major damage from it.
Hope that helps 🙂
If you are in the USA, please be advised that ravens are protected by the MBTA (Migratory bird treaty act) and are illegal to own parts of without permits.
That said, if you are not in the USA (or um.. you know… getting rid of it but just want to know how anyway *cough*), you can just wash feathers and de-fleshed bones with normal dawn soap (not antibacterial), and then rinse very very well, until you get no suds for at least 30 seconds. The key to getting the feathers looking great again is to blow-dry them. Do not air dry.
By the way, removing the oil (or de-greasing) bird parts is vital to proper preservation. A clean feather won’t look dull if it is cleaned properly.
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My art: featherdust.comOk! Certainly interesting. I was imagining a much more laborious process.. I just didn’t believe soap and water would do it! Thanks Jen though for the heads up about the deal with ravens…
Ok! Certainly interesting. I was imagining a much more laborious process.. I just didn’t believe soap and water would do it! Thanks Jen though for the heads up about the deal with ravens…
No problem. I dabble in taxidermy and really, getting lovely plumage once there is no flesh left is just a matter of making sure they are clean and then blow-dried. If there is still moist skin attached, scrape off any flesh and after you wash and then blow dry everything, gently press a little borax into the inside of the skin areas. Make sure everything is dry first. It will preserve the skin.
Volunteer mod- I'm here to help! Email me for the best response: nambroth at gmail.com
My art: featherdust.com
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