I have a very newbie question that I am sure my wife would be glad I asked before I got myself in trouble.

Are feathers you find on the beach, etc safe from a health stand point? Is there any sanitizing steps that should be taken?

I found some interesting feathers this weekend that I was hoping to use for some fly tying practice, however I was wondering if I there was any health risks involved my just picking up any old pretty looking feather. The ones I found this weekend are from some ducks and also a peacock. They are the softer feathers and most likely not that useable, but still I wanted to give em a try.

I'd appreciate your advice!

Thanks,

Jonathan