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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Learner on January 25, 2017, 10:16:00 AM

Title: domesticated turkey feathers
Post by: Learner on January 25, 2017, 10:16:00 AM
Not far from where I live is a family owned turkey farm.  They sell fresh turkey directly to the public.

i plan on getting into building wood arrows for myself, and I am wondering if feathers from domesticated turkeys raised for consumption (the white ones) would provide feathers suitable for use on arrows.

Thank you,
Frank
Title: Re: domesticated turkey feathers
Post by: Hummer3T on January 25, 2017, 10:45:00 AM
I have tried them, they don't seem to have the stiffness or density of a wild feather.

I have had some success with them as whirled or spiraled flu flus.
Title: Re: domesticated turkey feathers
Post by: YosemiteSam on January 25, 2017, 01:12:00 PM
Probably depends on the breed -- heritage vs production breeds.  Heritage breeds might stand a better chance.  There's only one way to know for sure -- try it.
Title: Re: domesticated turkey feathers
Post by: Pat B on January 25, 2017, 02:21:00 PM
Most commercial fletching feathers are from domestic turkeys.  If you don't like the white you can dye them.
Title: Re: domesticated turkey feathers
Post by: kenneth butler on January 25, 2017, 02:22:00 PM
Most bought feathers come from white domesticated turkeys so they can be dyed many colors. The big difference seems to be the age of the bird. Domesticated birds are harvested young and the feathers are just not fully mature.   Ken
Title: Re: domesticated turkey feathers
Post by: wingnut on January 25, 2017, 02:38:00 PM
Heck if the feathers are free, it's a no brainer to give them a go.

Mike
Title: Re: domesticated turkey feathers
Post by: BAK on January 25, 2017, 03:01:00 PM
There are very few arrow shooters today who aren't shooting domestic fletch.
Title: Re: domesticated turkey feathers
Post by: Hummer3T on January 25, 2017, 04:46:00 PM
Sorry, I should have noted as above that it is very likely species and animal treatment dependent.

the ones I got were not flight allowed birds and were not a variety that is not known for good plumage.  Outside edge of feathers where split and sparse.